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UNIT.  OF  CALIF.  LIBRARY.  LOS  ANGKLW 


MISTRESS  PENWICK 


BY 

DUTTON      PAYNE 


R.  F.  FENNO  &  COMPANY,    :    :     :    9  AND  1 1   EAST 
SIXTEENTH  STREET,     :     :     :     NEW  YORK  CITY 


COPYRIGHT,  1899 

BY 
R.    F.    FENNO    &    COMPANY 


Contents 


PACK 

CHAPTER  I 
THE  URSULINE  LOSES  A  PUPIL 7 

CHAPTER  II 
THE  LORD  OF  CRANDLEMAR 17 

CHAPTER  III 
THE  BALL 34 

CHAPTER  IV 
His  LORDSHIP'S  PROPOSAL 43 

CHAPTER  V 
BACCHUS  AND  BACCHANTES 56 

CHAPTER  VI 
JANET'S  PHILOSOPHY 77 

CHAPTER  VII 
THE  BRANTLE 95 

CHAPTER  VIII 
THE  ANCIENT  MONASTERY 109 

CHAPTER  IX 
SIR  JULIAN  POMPHREY 129 

CHAPTER  X 
WHAT  HAPPENED  IN  THE  BUTLERY 137 

CHAPTER  XI 
JACQUES  DEMPSY 156 

CHAPTER  XII 
CASTLE  AND  MONASTERY 165 

5 


6  Contents 

PAGE 

CHAPTER  XIII 
As  NINE  TOLLED  FROM  THE  CHAPEL  BELFRY 184 

CHAPTER  XIV 
SERMONS  NEW  AND  OLD 202 

CHAPTER  XV 
THE  EDICT  OF  BUCKINGHAM 218 

CHAPTER  XVI 
BUCKINGHAM'S  ADVENTURE 238 

CHAPTER  XVII 
TELLS  OF  THE  DOINGS  OF  ALL  CONCERNED 257 

CHAPTER  XVIII 
AT  MONMOUTH'S  VILLA 275 

CHAPTER  XIX 
WHAT  HAPPENED  IN  THE  COACH 295 

CHAPTER  XX 
UNPROCLAIMED  BANNS 315 

CHAPTER  XXI 
THE  ESPOUSAL 324 

CHAPTER   XXII 
CEDRIC  IN  THE  TOILS 341 

CHAPTER   XXIII 
THE  COCOANUTS  OF  THE  KING'S  CELLAR 361 

CHAPTER  XXIV 
WHAT  HAPPENED  IN  THE  TOWER 375 

CHAPTER  XXV 
THE  GARDEN  OF  YOUTH 386 


Mistress  Penwick 

CHAPTER  I 

THE   URSULINE   LOSES   A   PUPIL 

"  IF  the  ship  sails  at  dawn,  then  I  must  hasten 
to  tell  my  mistress  of  the  departure,  and — of  her 
father's  letter." 

"  I  am  loath  to  let  yonder  tide  take  her  away 
so  soon,  Janet." 

"  But  my  master's  words  are  a  positive  com- 
mand to  leave  Quebec  at  once,"  and  Janet's  eyes 
fell  to  the  imperative  line  at  the  close  of  her  let- 
ter which  read :  "  In  God's  name,  good  nurse, 
take  my  baby  to  England  in  all  haste." 

"  Aye,  our  noble  patron's  desire  must  be  car- 
ried out ! "  and  the  Mother  Superior  without 
further  lament  went  from  the  small  cell. 

When  the  last  echo  of  her  footsteps  had  died 
away,  Janet  Wadham  cautiously  opened  the  in- 
ner door  and  passed  to  the  cell  adjoining,  and  to 
the  low  couch  upon  which  lay  her  mistress  in 
sound  slumber. 

Fondly  she  noted  the  beauty  of  her  charge ; 
7 


8  Mistress  Penwick 

the  heavy  waving  hair  gleaming  in  the  fading 
light  a  bronze-like  amber,  the  white  forehead, 
the  arched  brow,  the  glow  of  health  upon  lip 
and  cheek,  the  slender  neck,  the  slope  of  shoul- 
ders, and  the  outline  of  a  perfect  form. 

Then  the  maid  stirred  and  opened  her  eyes. 
Her  whole  body  thrilled  with  the  awakening. 

"  Ah,  'twas  like  the  bursting  of  a  bud  !  How 
dost  feel  now,  Mistress  ?  " 

"  I  am  not  ill  at  all.  I  am  a  martyr  to  thy 
imagination.  Dost  remember  the  time,  Janet,  I 
drowsed  in  the  chapel  and  thou  didst  make  me 
drink  bitterwort  for  a  fortnight?"  and  the 
girl's  voice  rung  out  in  soft  laughter. 

"Aye,  I  have  not  forgotten,  nor  why  thou 
wert  drowsy  either,  Mistress  Penwick." 

"  Nay,  thou  didst  not  know." 

"I  did  so.  Thou  hadst  a  book  of  tales  and 
read  nights  with  the  candle  shaded  by  thy 
mother's  landskip  fan,  and  I  gave  thee  aloes  for 
thy  folly." 

"  Thou  dost  always  find  me  out,  Janet ;  I  shall 
be  glad  when  I  become  a  woman  as  big  as  thou." 

"Thou  art  a  woman  to-day,  and  thou  wilt 
never  be  as  big  as  I ;  so,  having  age  and  not  a 
hulking  servant's  body,  be  content.  I  have  a 
letter  from  my  master,  and  in  it  is  much  that 
concerns  thee " 

"  Isn't  there  always  much  that  concerns  me  ?  " 

"But  not  such  important   concernings.     He 


The  Ursuline  Loses  a  Pupil  9 

has  gone  on  a  long  journey  and  proposes  one 
for  thee,  my  lambkin."  Katherine  raised  her- 
self in  bed.  "  Nay,  thou  must  not  stir  or  I  hush 
my  tale !  Thy  father  has  provided  thee  with  a 
guardian  and  'tis  to  him  I  take  thee.  We  go  to 
England  by  the  first  boat, — nay,  lay  back,  calm 
thyself  or  I  take  my  wagging  tongue  away ;  if 
thou  dost  so  much  as  stir  again,  I  leave  thee. 
Thou  art  to  go  to  a  great  house  over  there  and 
see  grand  folks  with  fine  airs  and  modish  dress. 
"Wilt  be  glad  to  see  outside  of  convent  walls? 
'Tis  nine  years  since  I  brought  thee  here  a  babe 
of  six,  and  have  nursed  thee  well  to  this  hour, 
and  thy  strength  and  health  and  beauty  show 
the  care  given  thee."  She  suddenly  arose  and 
went  to  the  window  to  hide  if  possible  her  agita. 
tion ;  but  when  she  looked  forth  on  the  snow- 
covered  city  and  on  beyond  at  the  long  range  of 
forest  that  lay  low  and  black  against  the  arctic 
sky,  she  turned  from  the  gloomy  scene  and 
went  again  to  the  couch,  quickly  suppressing 
all  thoughts  save  those  that  were  purely  selfish : 
she  would  be  glad  to  bid  adieu  to  this  great,  still 
northern  world  and  leave  behind  forever  old 
Quebec,  even  though  she  must  divide  her  treas- 
ure. 

"  I  have  been  a  mother  to  thee,  child,  and  now 
I  must  divide  my  rule  with  a  cantankerous 
Scot " 

"  Nay,  a  Scot  and  lives  in  England  ?  " 


10  Mistress  Penwick 

"  He  lives  in  England  and  thy  father  speaks 
of  bending  somewhat  thy  quick  temper  to  the 
mould  of  self-control  as  a  safer  parry  to  Scotch 
thrust ;  so  I  conclude  the  gentleman  must  be  a 
Scot." 

"  Janet,  'tis  these  awful  men  that  wear  skirts 
like  women.  I  remember  many  years  ago  when 
I  was  in  Sister  Agnes'  room,  of  seeing  some  of 
those  dreadful  pictures  of  skirts  and  bandy-legs. 
They  are  unseemly  things  for  men  to  wear ;  it  is 
as  though  one  were  uncivilised.  I  hate  him  al- 
ready for  it ! " 

"  Lambkin,  thou  must  remember  thy  teachings. 
Sister  Agnes  would  admonish  thee  for  saying 
hate.  Besides  thou  dost  not  know  the  man,  he 
may  be  a  second  father  to  thee  and  cajole  and 
pamper  thy  whims.  He  may  even  eschew  plaid 
frocks  and  don  modish  garments — that  would 
hide  bandy -legs  still  less!  Thy  father  said  I 
must  enjoin  upon  thee  respect,  for  his  lordship's 
age ;  regard,  for  his  wishes,  and  thou  art  to  obey 
his  commands,  as  'twas  not  possible  for  him  to 
direct  thee  otherwise  than  good.  If  at  any 
time  he  should  find  thee  in  fault,  be  the  matter 
seemingly  beneath  notice,  acknowledge  thy 
wrongness,  for  he  hath  a  temper  and  might 
goad  thee  to  greater  blunder.  His  blood  flows 
hot  and  fast,  and  thou  must  cool  and  swage 
it  with  thy  gentle  dignity.  Inasmuch  as  thy 
moneys  and  estates  are  in  my  Lord  Cedric's  con- 


The  TJrsuline  Loses  a  Pupil  11 

trol,  thou  art  to  receive  such  income  from  him 
without  question.  Thy  father  further  directs 
perfect  submission  to  Lord  Cedric  in  matters  of 
marriage,  as  he  will  bring  suitors  of  high  degree 
for  thy  choice  and  thou  wilt  find  among  them  a 
lover  to  thy  liking."  The  rosy  red  flew  into 
the  maiden's  face  and  she  trembled  with  a  sweet 
ne\v  emotion  she  did  not  understand. 

"  This  is  the  first  time  thou  hast  ever  spoken 
to  me  of  lovers,  Janet.  Indeed  very  strange 
things  seem  to  be  happening  to-day.  I  feel  like 
a  bird  about  to  fly  forth  from  its  cradle-nest,  I 
have  forgotten  how  the  world  appears.  'Tis 
broad  and  vast ;  it  makes  me  dizzy  to  think  be- 
tween these  cramped  walls  that  never  seemed  so 
narrow  heretofore  !  "  She  lay  for  a  moment  in 
deep  thought,  then, — "  Where  didst  say  father 
journeyed  ?  " 

"  He  said  not,  but  intimated  'twas  a  place  of 
safety  where  he  was  happy  to  go  from  political 
intrigue  and  war,  and  where  he  shall  meet 
friends." 

"  Why  did  he  not  inscribe  some  words  to  me  ?" 

"  He  speaks  of  an  epistle  of  welcome — and  fare- 
well to  be  given  thee  by  Lord  Cedric  upon  thy 
arrival  in  England.  'Twill  give  thee  greater 
pleasure  then." 

"  But  Janet ;  a  Scot !  A  blustering,  red-faced 
Scot  with  petticoats !  Hast  ever  seen  one  out- 
side of  pictures  ?  " 


12  Mistress  Pen  wick 

"  Aye,  Lambkin,  and  'twas  the  unseemly  kilt 
that  was  the  better  part ;  for  I  have  met  a  blus- 
tering red-faced  Scot  as  thou  sayest ;  and  he  was 
boisterous  and  surly,  giving  vent  to  a  choleric 
temper  by  coarse  oaths ;  and  'twas  his  plaid  de- 
noted a  gentleman  of  high  rank  withal.  The  long 
hair  that  swept  his  shoulders  was  as  florid  as  his 
face,  as  was  also  his  flowing  whiskers  and  mus- 
tachio,  the  latter  being  bitten  short  and  forming 
a  bristling  fringe  over  a  slavering  mouth, — what 
is  it,  Mistress,  thou  art  pale,  has  pain  taken  thee  ?  " 

"  Nay,  'tis  nausea,  an  awful  loathing ;  I  wish 
to  remain  here.  Send  at  once  my  desires  to  my 
father.  I  will  not  go  to  England,  Janet ! " 

"  'Tis  better  thou  shouldst  think  of  something 
else  beside  my  Lord  Cedric,  for  instance,  his 
great  demesne,  Crandlemar  Castle,  the  most 
beautiful  of  his  several  seats;  the  splendid 
horses  and  equipages;  and,  thyself,  Lambkin, 
think  of  thyself  bedecked  in  gorgeous  hued 
brocades ;  be-furbelowed  in  rare  lace  and  costly 
furs.  And  thou  wilt  have  a  maid  to  build  thy 
hair,  tie  shoulder  knots  and  make  smart  ribbons 
and  frills,  and  furbish  bijoux  and  gems.  And 
thou  wilt  wear  perfume,  and  carry  a  nosegay 
and  fan.  And  thou  wilt  sweep  the  most  grace- 
ful courtesy  and  queen  it  everywhere  with 
thy  sweet  graciousness.  Thy  father  says  thou 
shouldst  become  an  idol  to  the  old  man's  heart, 
as  my  lord  is  without  wife  or  daughter." 


The  Ursuline  Loses  a  Pupil  13 

"  If  his  demesne  be  in  England,  'tis  but  right  he 
should  become  as  far  as  possible  a  genuine  Anglo- 
Saxon,  and  if  I  can  turn  him,  I  will.  How  soon 
does  the  boat  sail  ?  " 

"Within  forty-eight  hours  we  shall  be  upon 
the  sea  and  thou  wilt  have  begun  to  whimper 
and  bemoan  its  awful  swell.  'Twill  have  more 
evacuating  power  than  teeth-curtailed  mustachios 
upon  thy  heretofore  staunch  stomach." 

"  Nay,  I  will  not  believe  my  Lord  Cedric  such 
a  man ;  and  yet  thou  hast  drawn  a  picture  that 
will  be  ever  before  me  until  I  see  him.  Sister 
Agnes  would  say, — 'there  is  a  sinfulness  in 
doubt  and  anxiety,  inasmuch  as  such  thoughts 
lash  the  soul  to  uneasiness  and  draw  it  from 
celestial  contemplations.  Think  not  on  it ! ' 
neither  will  I,  but  rather,  I  will  fancy  the  mor- 
row's sun  glinting  upon  myriad  white-capped 
waves;  the  bosom  of  the  ocean  swelling  with 
emotion  and — didst  say  'twould  make  me  ill, 
Janet  ?  " 

"  I  am  afraid  of  it,  'twill  be  glorious  if  thou 
art  not ;  for  'tis  a  wonderful  thing  to  see  the 
rise  and  fall  of  sun  and  moon,  and  witness  storms 
that  seldom  fail  to  lend  their  fearfulness  to  the 
voyagers  of  so  long  a  journey." 

"  Wilt  thou  be  afraid,  Janet  ?  " 

"  Nay,  not  I ;  'twill  be  the  elixir  of  ambrosia 
to  breathe  salt  air  again,  and  the  stronger  and 
more  mist-laden  the  better  to  knock  out  foul  ex- 


14  Mistress  Penwick 

halations  sucked  in  these  nine  years  from  musty 
walls.  'Twill  be  sweet  to  have  the  wind  rap 
from  us  the  various  fungi  that  comes  from  sun- 
less chambers.  Ah,  a  stiff  breeze  will  rejuvenate 
thy  fifteen  years  one  month  to  a  lusty,  crowing 
infant  and  my  forty  all-seasons  to  a  simpering 
wench." 

"How  splendid,  Janet!"  Katherine  threw 
out  her  arms  and  drew  a  long,  deep  breath. 
"  'Twill  be  glorious  to  breathe  pure,  free  air ! " 

"  Aye,  my  Lambkin,  and  thy  chest  will  broaden 
and  be  larger  by  two  good  inches  ere  we  see 
chalk  cliffs  and  English  waters.  Thou  wilt  open 
like  a  rose  to  the  sunshine  of  the  outer  world. 
But,  we  are  anticipating — let  us  speak  of  the 
present.  To-night  we  go  to  vespers  for  the  last 
time,  and  thou  must  bid  thy  friends  adieu  before 
I  tuck  thee  in  thy  cot  as  we  arise  and  are  off 
before  day-dawn.  Let  thy  farewells  be  briefly 
spoken  as  if  thou  wert  to  be  gone  but  a  day. 
"Twas  thy  father's  wish  thou  shouldst  not  grieve 
at  parting  with  thy  companions,  or  the  Sisters  or 
Mother.  'Tis  best  to  leave  them  the  remem- 
brance of  a  face  happy,  rather  than  one  steeped 
in  sorrow.  Say  to  them  what  thy  heart  dictates, 
but  with  a  quick  tongue  and  bright  countenance ; 
'twill  tend  to  suppress  tears  and  numb  the  pain 
at  thy  heart.  When  thou  art  thus  engaged  I 
will  prepare  us  for  journeying.  Wilt  thou  wear 
thy  Sunday  gown  ?  " 


The  Ursuline  Loses  a  Pupil  15 

"  Tis  none  too  good  !  couldst  put  on  a  ribbon 
to  relieve  its  greyness  ?  " 

"  Ah,  Lambkin,  thou  hast  begun  already  with 
thy  fine  lady's  notions !  thou  wilt  be  crying  for 
high-heeled  boots  and  built-up  hair  and  stays, 
stays,  Mistress,  stays  wilt  be  thy  first  cry — oh, 
Lambkin,  thou  art  heavy-hearted  and  I  am  turn- 
ing myself  into  a  fool  to  physic  thy  risibles ; — I 
wish  we  were  upon  the  sea  at  this  moment ;  if  it 
were  possible  I  should  have  taken  thee  while  thou 
wert  in  sleep  ;  but  nay,  I  could  not ;  for  thou  art 
a  maiden  grown  and  art  plump  and  heavy  with 
all.  If  I  had  taken  thee  so,  thou  wouldst  have 
wept  anyway,  perhaps;  for  'tis  thy  nature  to 
have  thy  own  way.  'Twould  be  a  cross  to  thy 
father  could  he  see  thee  now.  I  doubt  not 
'twould  turn  the  Scot's  bull-scaring  face  to  ashen 
hues,  'tis  possible — "  Katherine's  soft  rippling 
laugh  interrupted  her,  and  at  its  sound  Janet 
leant  and  kissed  the  maid's  pink-palmed  hands  as 
they  lay  upon  the  coverlet,  and  taking  them 
within  her  own  fondled  them,  saying, — "And 
thou  wilt  surprise  my  lord  and  his  friends  by  thy 
rare  playing  of  the  clavichord,  and  'tis  possible 
so  great  and  wealthy  a  man  will  own  a  piano- 
forte of  which  we  have  heard  so  much;  and 
mayhap  thou  will  be  presented  at  Court,  and  in 
great  London  town  thou  mayest  see  many  mu- 
sicians from  France,  for  'tis  not  improbable  they 
are  brought  over  the  channel  at  the  instance  of 


.16  Mistress  Pen  wick 

his  Majesty.  Is  it  not  grand  to  think  of  all 
these  things,  Lambkin  ?  " 

"  Aye,  'tis  glorious !  But  Janet,  let  me  up 
and  dress  me — ah,  it  seems  an  age  until  the 
morrow ! " 

"  'Twas  with  greater  care  than  usual  Janet 
made  ready  her  Mistress.  And  after  sundry 
admonitions  about  cold  corridors  and  draughts, 
opened  the  door  and  watched  her  in  silence  as 
she  passed  through,  and  down  the  hall  to  vespers. 
And  when  evening  prayer  was  over  and  Kath- 
erine  had  gone  to  say  adieu,  Janet  began  to  pack 
the  chests  for  their  early  flight ;  her  heart  ex- 
ultant, save  for  the  sorrow  of  not  seeing  her 
master  again  as  she  believed  and  having  some 
little  fear  of  the  new  one  she  was  about  to 
encounter. 


CHAPTER  II 

THE  LORD   OF  CEANDLEMAB 

THE  adieux  had  been  said,  the  night  had  come 
and  gone,  and  with  the  dawn  the  tide  drew  away 
carrying  with  it  a  large  vessel  upon  the  deck  of 
which  stood  Janet  and  Katherine  wrapped  in 
long  traveling  capes. 

"  'Tis  the  most  wondrous  sight  I  ever  beheld  ! 
Thinkest  thou  the  Bethlehem  Star  could  have 
been  more  beautiful  than  yonder  Lucifer.  In- 
deed it  seems,  Janet,  we  see  in  all  nature  the  re- 
flection of  the  Christ;  the  birth  of  dawn;  the 
presence  of  the  star;  these  black  waters.  'Tis 
awesome  !  Listen,  Janet,  thou  must  acknowledge 
thou  hearest  something  more  than  plaint  of 
ocean.  'Tis  something  more  than  sound.  It 
fills  me  with  an  exultation  I  cannot  analyze. 
Dost  feel  it,  Janet  ?  " 

"I  cannot  tell  what  I  feel,  Mistress."  And 
Janet  covered  her  mouth  to  smother  her  laugh- 
ter; first  of  all  because  she  felt  seasick,  and 
secondly  the  child's  words  stirred  in  her  no  such 
youthful  enthusiasm.  She  was  not  yet  rejuve- 
nated. 

17 


18  Mistress  Penwick 

"  And  with  all  this  glory  of  nature  filling  me 
I  can  less  understand  Sister  Phelia's  words  at 
parting.  Her  eyes  seemed  to  burn  to  my  very 
soul  as  she  said :  *  Dost  not  feel  as  thou  art 
leaving  these  sacred  walls  that  thou  art  passing 
from  a  retreat  where  the  Blessed  Virgin  ever 
guides  thee ? '  'I  have  felt  her  presence  ever, 
said  I.  'But  'tis  better  to  renounce  the  world 
and  have  strength  to  live  in  seclusion,'  she  an- 
swered. I  made  bold  and  replied  that  I  thought 
it  required  much  greater  strength  to  go  on  the 
battlefield  of  the  world  and  be  good  than  live 
within  the  impenetrable  walls  of  a  cloister  where 
sin  cannot  come.  'But,  child,  thou  wilt  see 
beautiful  things  made  by  the  hand  of  man  that 
will  fill  thy  heart  leaving  not  room  for  the 
Divine  Presence.'  '  Nay,'  said  I,  '  I  shall  see 
God's  work  in  every  beauteous  thing  and  I  shall 
trust  Him  for  the  gift  of  penetration  to  see 
through  filthy  rags  and  distorted  body  the 
beauty  of  the  soul.'  'Twas  her  wish  that  I 
should  write  her  once  a  year  of  my  spiritual 
condition  and  to  think  of  her  as  being  happy  in 
her  isolation.  And  with  this  strange  light  about 
us,  the  farewell  recurs  to  me  and  I  wonder  that 
human  beings  could  shut  themselves  from  so 
beauteous  a  thing  as  Nature  in  their  fear  of  con- 
tamination by  sin ! " 

"  My  Lambkin, '  they  talk  strongest  who  never 
felt  temptation ; '  thou  art  going  into  a  world 


The  Lord  of  Crandlemar  19 

thou  hast  not  seen,  much  less,  felt  its  power. 
Sister  Phelia  is  right.  We  acknowledge  the 
Divine  Presence  is  everywhere ;  she  intimated 
thou  wert  leaving  a  place  where  sin  was  not,  to 
go  where  it  abounded.  There  is  one  place,  how- 
ever, we  may  always  be  sure  of  finding  the  divine 
atom  whether  we  be  in  seclusion  or  abroad ;  'tis 
in  our  own  heart  and  called  before  the  ages, 
'  Holy  Ghost.'  Many  of  us  fail  to  recognize  it ; 
others  cry  '  insolvency ' ;  but  the  better  part  draw 
on  it  with  confidence.  It  honours  our  call  and 
gives  us  on  demand,  conscience,  with  which  we 
can  withstand  all  sin  if  we  so  desire." 

The  second  day  upon  the  water  Janet  fell  a 
victim  to  mal-de-mer,  and  'twas  Katherine  who 
turned  nurse ;  and  after  four  or  five  days  Janet 
grew  better  and  was  half  ashamed,  veiling  her 
confusion  with  self-accusation :  "  'Tis  good  enough 
for  me,  'twas  wrong  to  be  eating  pork,  'tis  posi- 
tively forbidden  us.  I  lay  it  to  that !  I  gave 
myself  over  to  eating  to  make  up  for  a  fast  of 
nine  long  years.  Thou  hadst  not  a  qualm  be- 
cause thou  hast  been  fed  on  wine  and  porridge 
and  beef  gruel  and  whey.  The  clearness  of  thy 
body  speaks  for  a  pure  stomach.  Let  the  awful- 
ness  of  my  condition  warn  thee.  Thou  must 
never  grumble  when  I  take  from  thee  weightier 
food  than  thou  hast  been  used  to.  But,  Lambkin, 
we  have  had  a  glorious  voyage  inasmuch  as  we 
have  had  both  calm  and  storm ;  had  I  been  priv- 


20  Mistress  Penwick 

ileged  to  do  the  ordering,  we  could  not  have  had 
better  weather." 

Janet  and  her  mistress  walked  the  deck  when 
'twas  possible,  from  rise  to  set  of  sun,  and  Kath- 
erine  expanded  until  her  convent  dress  became 
straightened,  and  she  retired  to  her  bed  while 
Janet  let  out  seams,  augmenting  it  to  her  mistress' 
further  comfort  and  development. 

It  was  almost  with  regret  that  they  espied 
land ;  for  Janet  was  anxious,  and  Katherine  was 
apprehensive  of  the  Scot,  and  as  the  white  cliffs 
appeared  to  rise  higher  they  each  wished  the  sea 
journey  had  just  begun. 

At  last  they  stood  upon  English  soil,  and  so 
bewildered  was  Katherine  she  could  only  cling  to 
Janet's  dress  like  a  frightened  child ;  there  was 
such  a  clamour,  'twas  like  pandemonium.  The 
poor  frightened  thing  was  inclined  to  believe  that 
the  people  were  mad  and  raving,  and  was  hardly 
called  to  concentration  of  thought  when  Lord 
Cedric's  Chaplain  stood  before  them  dumbfounded 
by  her  beauty. 

He  was  a  pale,  little  man,  who  managed  with 
difficulty  to  collect  his  senses  and  lead  them  to 
an  equipage  of  imposing  richness  that  stood  not 
far  away.  And  immediately  after  chests  and 
sundry  articles  of  travel  were  placed  upon  the 
coach,  the  rolling  wheels  carried  them  through 
the  town  and  on  beyond,  over  plains  and  hills 
and  lonely  moors,  through  forests  of  oak  and 


The  Lord  of  Crandlemar  21 

beech,  coloured  in  the  grey  of  winter.  Nor  did 
the  ponderous  vehicle  stop  save  for  a  hurried  re- 
freshment or  a  short  night's  rest  at  some  wayside 
inn. 

Lord  Cedric's  orders  were  not  being  strictly 
carried  out.  The  Chaplain  was  to  bring  back  to 
the  castle  Janet  Wadham  and  baby.  Here  was 
the  first-named,  but  where  was  the  child  ?  The 
little  man  was  fearful  he  had  made  some  mistake, 
and  grew  exceedingly  nervous  when  they  at  last 
spied  the  battlements  of  Crandlemar  Castle,  and 
the  child  for  whom  he  had  gone  must  be  ac- 
counted for. 

Night  was  falling  as  the  equipage  bearing  Mis- 
tress Katherine  and  her  attendants  passed  be- 
tween the  massive  stone  pillars  of  the  gate  into 
the  long  avenues  bordered  by  leafless  trees ;  and 
when  yet  some  distance  from  the  castle,  the  oc- 
cupants could  catch  glimpses  of  many  lighted 
windoAvs.  Katherine  lay  back  on  the  cushions 
tired,  timid,  half-fearful,  wondering.  Not  so 
Janet;  she  craned  body  and  neck  fearful  lest 
some  small  detail  of  the  visible  grandeur  might 
escape  her.  In  a  moment  more  they  had  stopped 
at  the  great  entrance,  and  immediately  the  pon- 
derous doors  were  thrown  wide  by  two  ugly  lit- 
tle dwarfs  in  magnificent  livery.  Out  trooped 
other  menials  of  perhaps  less  age  and  greater 
dignity,  quickly  gathering  from  the  equipage  the 
chests  and  bags  and  other  articles  of  less  cum- 


22  Mistress  Penwick 

brousness.  Mistress  Katherine,  with  Janet  by 
her  side,  was  so  blinded  by  the  glare  of  lights 
and  furbished  gildings,  she  saw  naught,  but  fol- 
lowed on  up  winding  stairs,  stepping  twice  upon 
each  broad  step ;  through  corridors  and  alcoves 
and  winding  halls,  and  in  her  ears  was  the  sound 
of  men's  and  women's  soft  laughter,  and  she 
breathed  the  perfume  of  flowers,  and  inhaled  as 
they  passed  some  half-open  door,  the  odour  of 
paudre  de  rose  and  jasmine. 

A  woman  older,  less  comely  than  Janet,  and 
having  the  smirk  of  a  perfunctory  greeting  upon 
her  flabby  face,  stood  within  the  room  assigned 
to  Mistress  Katherine.  As  her  eyes  fell  upon  the 
maid,  she  stepped  back  surprised,  and  with  a  con- 
fusion she  essayed  to  hide  in  her  coarse  voiced 
acknowledgment  of  their  presence. 

"The  child,  madam,  where's  the  child?  'is 
Ludship  sent  me  to  take  charge  of  the  hinfant 
and  'er  nurse." 

Janet's  voice  rang  like  steel  as  she  said,— 

"  Thou  canst  fondle  me  to  thy  heart's  content, 
but  the  '  hinfant  his '  a  maiden  grown  and  well 
able  to  look  after  her  own  swathings;  'twould 
better  serve  thee  and  us  to  get  thee  below  and 
prepare  thine  '  hinfant  '-grown  some  meat  and 
wine  with  etceteras,  and  plenty  of  them,  for  she 
hath  a  lusty  and  ever-present  appetite.  But  stay, 
where  wilt  thou  cradle  thy  babe's  nurse,  in  this 
room  beyond  the  closet  ?  "  With  a  superhuman 


The  Lord  of  Crandleraar  23 

effort,  as  it  were, — the  woman,  confident  of  the 
importance  of  her  position,  and  the  forbearance 
such  an  one  should  have  in  dealing  with  the  less 
consequential, — suppressed  her  choler  and  raised 
her  eyebrows,  and  spoke  with  the  coldness  of  her 
betters. 

"  Thou  wilt  sleep  there  for  a  time,  at  least  un- 
til 'is  Ludship's  guests  'ave  gone ;  the  nurseries 
'ave  been  turned  into  guests'  rooms, — 'is  Ludship 
'as  Koyalty  beneath  'is  roof  and  bade  me  take  the 
— the  child  to  the  furth'rest  room  and  keep  hits 
squawking  'ushed  ! "  With  a  deprecating  gesture, 
she  shuffled  from  the  room. 

'Twas  a  great  square  apartment,  with  low  ceil- 
ing, a  small  hearthstone  and  an  immense  bedstead 
with  tester  and  outer  coverings  of  flowered  chintz. 
The  light  from  the  two  small  candles  upon  the 
high  mantel-shelf  were  dimmed  by  the  greater 
light  from  the  hearth. 

With  a  long,  heavy  sigh,  which  ended  in  a 
quiet  half-hearted  laugh,  Katherine  flung  herself 
back  in  a  huge  chair  and  said, — 

"  Art  not  afraid  to  lash  tongues  with  a  trusted 
servant  of  my  Lord  Cedric  ?  She  may  give  thee 
an  ill  name." 

"  Nay,  rather,  if  I  had  boxed '  er  hears '  'twould 
have  been  better.  Indeed,  if  thou  hadst  been 
absent  I  should  have  brawled  it  with  her.  '  Lud- 
ship ' — 'tis  the  cant  of  a  pot  house  wench, — '  is 
Ludship '  to  me,  who  has  been  consorting  with 


24  Mistress  Penwick 

Sister  Agnes  and  Phelia  and  Drusah  and  the 
Mother  Superior  of  the  Ursuline.  Wilt  let  me 
dress  thee  now  ?  " 

"  Nay,  Janet,  I  will  cleanse  my  face  and  hands, 
have  my  supper — for  I'm  nearly  famished,  and 
jump  into  yonder  bed  that  hath  a  lid " 

"  Why,  Lambkin,  that  is  a  tester,  'tis  the  first 
thou  hast  seen!  But,  Lambkin,  I  would  have 
thee  don  thy  pretty  white  dress  and  go  down 
to  more  cheerful  surroundings." 

"  Nay,  Janet,  I  could  not  raise  courage.  Have 
my  supper  brought  up  ! " 

"My  blessed  Lambkin,  I  will  take  thee  down 
and  see  that  they  give  thee  proper  food  for  thy 
coach-jostled  stomach.  Thou  shalt  have  a  room 
and  table  to  thyself.  I'll  see  to  it.  I  thought 
upon  it  coming  up  to  this  sky-begotten  chamber. 
The  toddy  would  freeze  stiff  and  the  pheasants 
grow  to  clamminess  on  so  long  and  frigid  a 
journey.  I  will  dress  thee  and  then  will  find 
my  way  down  and  make  things  ready  for  thy 
comfort  and  privacy." 

'Twas  a  soft,  white,  clinging  gown,  high-necked 
and  long-sleeved,  with  the  perfume  of  incense  in 
its  folds,  Janet  vested  her  mistress  in.  The  thick 
rolls  of  hair  framing  her  face  glinted  with  bronze 
and  amber  sheen.  Her  warm  youthful  blood 
coloured  her  countenance  with  the  tints  of  the 
peach  blossom.  Thus  she  stood  gloriously  beau- 
tiful ;  ready  for  conquest, 


The  Lord  of  Crandlemar  25 

Janet  went  below,  nor  was  she  gone  long  ere 
she  came  again  to  her  mistress'  side. 

"  Didst  see  any  signs  of  petticoats,  Janet  ?  " 

"  Nay,  mistress,"  and  her  voice  was  sober  and 
intense.  "I  tried  to  find  a  servants'  stairway, 
but  it  seemed  all  were  grand  and  confusing. 
And  every  moment  lackeys  rushed  by  me  bear- 
ing trays  of  smoking  viands,  and  not  even  so 
much  as  looking  my  way.  At  last  I  found  one 
I  thought  would  take  the  time  to  answer  a  ques- 
tion and  I  asked  him  the  way  below.  He  an- 
swered me  civilly  and  conducted  me  saying  the 
while,  that  'twas  a  grand  party  his  Lord  Cedric 
was  having;  members  of  the  Koyal  family  be- 
ing present ;  he  even  mentioned  the  Dukes  of 
Buckingham  and  Monmouth.  The  boy  was  so 
filled  with  good  sense  I  am  sure,  Mistress,  he 
spoke  truly  and  that  we  are  within  a  very  great 
man's  house.  I  found  old  flabby,  and  she  took 
me  to  a  cosy  little  room  with  a  table  ready 
spread.  So  come,  my  Lambkin,  when  his  Lord- 
ship finds  not  a  baby  but  a  rare  gem  for  his  costly 
setting,  his  heart  will  bound  with  pleasure  and 
he  will  regret  he  did  not  prepare  for  a  great 
lady  instead  of  an  infant." 

Timorously  the  maid  followed  Janet  through 
intricate  windings  to  the  broad  stairway. 

"  Janet,  take  me  through  the  servants'  passage 
for  this  once  !  " 

"  Nay,  thou  art  a  lady,  and  as  such  must  keep 


26  Mistress  Penwick 

to  the  grand  aisles."  So  on  they  went  travers- 
ing lofty  corridors.  In  one  of  these  they  sud- 
denly came  upon  a  young  gallant  of  youthful 
beauty ;  a  mould  of  elegance  and  strength ;  his 
countenance  was  flushed  and  shaded  by  curling 
black  hair  that  fell  loose  upon  his  shoulders.  In 
his  shapely,  white,  bejewelled  fingers  he  held  a 
blood-red  rose,  and  as  his  eyes  fell  upon  the  most 
beautiful  face  he  had  ever  beheld,  he  caught  his 
breath  and  held  the  rose  to  his  face  to  hide  his 
devouring  glances  as  she  swept  by  him  under 
the  soft  light  cast  by  the  sconces  above  her  head. 
In  a  moment  he  was  upon  the  stairway,  breath- 
less and  panting,  and  leaning  over,  dropped  the 
rose  at  her  feet.  Her  face  grew  as  rosy  as  the 
thing  itself,  but  passing  on  made  none  other 
sign. 

"  'Tis  a  conquest  thou  hast  made  the  first  hour, 
and  thou  acknowledged  thy  victory  with  naught 
but  a  modest  maiden  blush.  But,  Lambkin,  his 
body  was  not  a  match  for  thine ;  'twas  inclined 
to  be  too  slender.  I  shall  pick  for  thee  a  beau 
like  Sir  Williams's  Romeo." 

They  had  now  come  to  where  the  table  awaited 
Katherine,  and  Janet  bustled  about  handing 
things  for  her  mistress'  convenience;  then 
hurried  out  to  send  in  the  warm  food  from  the 
oven. 

"  Janet,  didst  say  the  bird  was  a  pheasant  ? — 
'Tis  grand  tasting  ! " 


The  Lord  of  Crandlemar  27 

"  Aye,  Mistress,  and  there  was  a  score  of  other 
things  that  I  would  not  let  thee  eat ;  'twould 
make  pimples  on  thy  snowy  neck  and  shoulders." 

"  Dost  think  perchance  the  young  man  upon 
the  stairway  was  the  Duke  of  Monmouth  ?  He 
was  very  handsome,  Janet,  I  think  he  was  very, 
very  handsome." 

"  Thou  dost  have  the  names  of  the  great  upon 
thy  tongue  as  commonly  as  thou  sayest  Janet ; 
'tis  more  than  probable  he  is  a  country  squire 
and " 

"  Dear  Janet,  go  get  thy  supper  and  get  back 
to  me,  for  I  would  rather  remain  here  alone  than 
in  yonder  chamber.  'Tis  grand  to  live  in  so 
great  a  house,  'tis  better  than — than  the  convent. 
How  soon  shall  I  have  fine  frocks  and  jewels  and 
— a  beau  like  yonder  one  on  the  stairway  ?  " 

"  Thou  art  becoming  exercised  prematurely ; 
his  Lordship  may  not  condescend  to  visit  his 
puling  babe  before  his  guests  depart.  In  such 
case,  thou  wilt  have  time  to  cool  thy  haste.  I 
will  go  now.  Do  not  eat  too  much,  Lambkin." 
Janet  looked  back  admiringly  as  she  left  the 
room ;  her  eyes  upon  her  mistress'  daintily  ruddy 
face,  smiling  at  her  from  between  two  tall  candles. 

Every  appointment  of  room  and  table  was  es- 
sentially English,  and  Mistress  Katherine  cast 
her  eye  about  wondering  if  'twas  so,  or,  were 
they  Scotch  ?  She  inclined  to  the  former,  and  a 
sigh  of  relief  and  happiness  escaped  her. 


28  Mistress  Penwick 

Suddenly  there  was  a  sound  of  hurrying  foot- 
steps with  an  accompanying  one  of  broad  Scotch 
oaths  in  no  low  key.  A  lackey  carrying  a  bag- 
pipe rushed  into  the  room  and  out  again  without 
noticing  its  occupant.  At  his  very  heels  was  a 
big  Scotchman  of  large  and  ridiculous  propor- 
tions ;  red  hair,  red  face,  red  whiskers,  red  mus- 
tachios,  and  bandy-legs,  petticoats  and  all ;  and 
a  tongue  ripping  out  hot  oaths.  In  a  moment 
Katherine  was  upon  her  feet,  her  eyes  flashed 
forth  indignation.  The  keen  eyes  of  the  Scot 
saw  her  at  a  glance.  He  looked,  stared,  then 
bent  almost  to  the  floor  before  her  and  waited 
thus  for  her  to  speak.  She,  not  accustomed  to 
the  masculine  courtesies  of  polite  breeding, 
thought  his  attitude  was  too  prolonged  for  either 
a  bow  of  homage  or  humiliation ;  and  she 
straightway  in  a  voice  that  was  tremulous  with 
emotion,  said : 

"  Has  the  bitterness  of  thy  tongue  taken  root 
in  thy  stomach  ?  "  Quickly  he  raised  himself  at 
her  first  word  and  gazed  with  enamoured  looks 
at  the  amber  folds  of  hair,  her  glowing  face ; 
and  with  panting  breath  his  eyes  rested  upon  the 
round  fulness  of  her  form  as  it  palpitated  with 
rightful  perturbance. 

"  Betake  thyself  before  I  inform  Lord  Cedric 
of  thy  presence !  "  And  she  rapped  smartly  her 
knife-handle  upon  the  table.  "Betake  thyself, 
begone  ! "  He  did  not  stir  nor  find  breath  until 


The  Lord  of  Crandlemar  29 

she  stood  forth  from  the  table  and  he  saw  her 
beauteous  being  from  head  to  dainty  toe  of  con- 
vent sandal.  Then  he  found  voice,  and  in  broad 
Scotch  begged  her  clemency,  advancing  toward 
her  the  while  and  almost  kneeling  in  his  humility. 

"  If  I  did  not  know  the  queen " 

"  'Tis  presuming  for  thee  to  speak  of  knowing 
her;  thou  dishonourest  the  noble  plaid  thou 
wearest.  Begone  from  me,  sir,  instantly.  Be- 
gone, I  say ! " 

"  Nay,  I  shall  not  begone.  Tell  me  who  thou 
art,  I  know  thee  not ! " 

"  Tell  thee  ?  Nay,  'twould  displease  my  lord 
if  he  knew  I  held  converse  with  thee  thus.  He 
would  no  doubt  send  thee  from  the  castle." 

"  But  who  is  thy  lord,  pray  ?  " 

"  Lord  Cedric  of  Crandlemar ! " 

"Ah,  ah, — but  it  does  not  displease  him. 
Lord  Cedric  says  thou  shalt  talk  to  him  the  bal- 
ance of  his  days."  The  maid  shrunk  further 
from  him  in  sheer  loathing.  At  the  moment 
Janet  entered,  and  the  rough  Scot  turned  upon 
her,  and  in  a  voice  of  command,  said, — 

"  Who  is  this  maid,  woman  ?  "  Janet  scanned 
him  for  a  moment  and  a  bit  of  truth  flashed  upon 
her. 

"  'Tis  the  honoured  daughter  of  Sir  John  Pen- 
wick,"  and  she  bowed  to  the  floor. 

"  Ah !  ah  ! ! "  He  retreated  in  dismay  and 
for  a  moment  was  silent,  encumbered  with  emo- 


30  Mistress  Penwick 

tions  of  surprise,  admiration,  wonderment  and 
doubt.  "  Then  thou  art  my  ward  and  thou 
hatest  me  already ' 

"  Thou,  thou  Lord  Cedric,  the  master  of  this 
great  house  ?  "  And  Katherine  in  the  confidence 
of  Janet's  presence,  laughed  in  scorn  and  SAvept 
from  the  room  disdaining  his  commands  to  re- 
main longer.  For  a  moment  he  stood  stunned  as 
it  were  ;  then  started  toward  the  door  and  looked 
after  their  retreating  forms,  exclaiming  the 
while, — 

"  Ah  ! — ah  ! !  Thou  a  convent  baggage  order- 
ing the  lord  of  the  castle  from  thy  presence. 
Never  have  I  been  so  talked  to  before.  Damn 
me,  I  love  thy  gorgeous  self,  thy  beauteous  body ; 
thou  my  ward  to  have  and  to  hold.  I  may  if  I 
choose  say  to  thee,  thou  shalt,  or  thou  shalt  not. 
Hey,  hey,  there,  Christopher!"  He  knocked 
loudly  upon  the  panelling  of  the  door.  A  lackey 
entered  trepidated.  "  Go  and  bring  in  haste 
from  Wasson  the  letter  written  by  Sir  John  Pen- 
wick.  Haste  thee,  mind !  "  He  turned  to  the 
table  as  if  the  shadow  of  her  being  still  rested 
there  and  spoke  the  continuation  of  his  thought. 
"  'Tis  a  bit  of  paper,  Mistress  Katherine,  that  has 
become  of  more  worth  than  a  king's  ransom. 
The  last  will  and  testament  of  Sir  John  Penwick 
bequeathing  to  my  father  a  priceless  property,— 
Thou  wert  slow,  Christopher,  but  I  forgive  thee." 
He  tore  the  letter  from  the  lackey's  hands  and 


The  Lord  of  Crandlemar  31 

sat  upon  the  chair  drawing  the  candle  to  his  con- 
venience and  read  aloud : 

" '  Cedric :  When  we  parted  twenty  odd  years 
ago  'twas  in  anger.  I  hope  thou  hast  forgotten 
it  as  I  have.'  My  poor  father  had  forgotten  and 
yearned  to  tell  him  so.  '  I'm  upon  my  death- 
bed and  my  consolation  is  the  remembrance  of 
our  mutual  faith  plighted  to  each  other  a  short 
time  before  our  quarrel.  'Twas  the  bit  of  Scotch 
blood  in  thee  that  brought  us  to  contentious 
wrangle.  I  'minded  thee  at  the  time  thou 
wouldst  grieve  for  thy  hot  words,  and  'tis  a  balm. 
I  send  thee  for  thy  grieved  heart ;  'tis  my  baby 
Kate '-  Baby,  baby  of  course  I  thought  her  so 
and  sent  her  to  a  nurse's  nookery  at  the  top  of 
the  towers  to  silence  the  wench's  squawkings, 
and  gave  Stephen  the  care  of  the  freshest  young 
heifer,  that  the  youngster  might  not  lack  for 
proper  food,  '  now  under  her  nurse's  care  in  the 
Ursuline  Convent  at  Quebec.  The  child  has  been 
environed  with  all  that  is  pure  and  good,  and 
will  come  to  thee  with  the  sweet  incense  of  the 
cloister  clinging  about  her.  I  have  heard  but 
once  of  thee,  and  'twas  that  thy  young  wife  died 
leaving  thee  without  heirs.  If  such  be  so,  thou 
wilt  find  a  solace  in  my  baby.  Guard  her  as 
thine  own.  I  have  only  enough  gold  to  send  her 
with  her  nurse  to  thy  protection.'  She  will  be 
obliged  to  come  to  me  for  all  things,  and  I  will 
spoil  my  own  pleasure  by  giving  her  before  she 


32  Mistress  Penwick 

asks.  '  In  my  epistle  to  Janet  Wadham  I  spoke 
of  moneys  and  estates  being  in  thy  hands.  'Tis 
a  lie  that  will  bring  to  thy  mind  more  vividly 
than  aught  else  my  personality — suppressio  veri; 
but  if  thou  findest  a  like  propensity  in  my  babe, 
thou  wilt  deal  gently  but  firmly  with  her  for  its 
correction.  I  give  into  thy  keeping  more  than 
house,  lands  or  titles.  I  would  direct  clemency 
toward  my  beloved  servant ;  she  has  proven  most 
faithful.  My  wife  truly  loved  her  and  at  her 
child's  birth  was  constantly  tended  by  the  vigi- 
lant Janet;  and  'twas  her  desire  she  should  re- 
main always  with  the  babe.  Enclosed  thou  will 
find  a  letter  to  be  given  to  my  daughter  upon  her 
arrival  to  thy  care ;  'tis  a  letter  of  both  welcome 
and  farewell.  Some  day  thou  must  tell  her  I  am 
gone  on  my  last  journey,  tell  her  when  she  is 
surrounded  by  pleasant  distractions  that  she  may 
not  grieve.  She  knows  naught  of  trouble,  neither 
would  I  have  her  know.  'Tis  possible  she  may 
have  some  religious  ideas  that  are  not  identical 
with  thine.  She  may  be  laden  with  all  sorts  of 
shrines,  picture-books,  candles,  crosses  and  beads ; 
these  religion's  playthings  thou  of  sterner  mould 
wilt  hardly  consider.  My  last  wish  and  the  one 
of  greatest  import  to  my  child  is  that  thou  find 
for  her  a  spouse  of  rank  and  fortune ;  'tis  my  de- 
sire that  she  marry  early  to  such  an  one.  Ah, 
Cedric,  if  thou  had  hadst  a  son,  their  union  would 
have  been  our  delight;  for  when  thou  seest  my 


The  Lord  of  Crandlemar  33 

Kate  thou  wilt  see  the  most  beautiful  thing  in 
life.' 

"  Aye,  she  is  the  most  beautiful  thing  in  life. 
She  is  mine,  my  very  own,  her  father  gives  her 
to  me  for  marriage — marriage,  and  'tis  a  speedy 
one  he  asks,  and  she  shall  have  it.  I  love  her, 
love  her,  my  whole  being  throbs  with  mad  de- 
sire. She  is  the  sweetest  maid  on  earth,  and  I 
drink  from  the  cup  upon  which  her  rich,  red  lips 
have  rested ;  ah,  'tis  sweet ! "  He  poured  a 
bumper  and  drank,  then  flung  from  the  room 
with  great  strides. 


CHAPTER  III 

THE  BALL 

MEANWHILE  Mistress  Katherine  sat  before  the 
fire  in  the  tower  nookery  while  Janet  unpacked 
the  luggage. 

"  'Twould  not  be  fitting  for  Lord  Cedric  to 
have  such  a  man  within  his  house  as  guest ! " 

"Neither  has  he,  Lambkin;  'tis  his  Lordship 
himself."  Her  voice  rang  truth  and  Katherine 
turned  dismayed,— 

"  Nay,  Janet,  the  man  was  a  drunken  fool ! 
Surely,  surely  thou  dost  not  mean  thy  sayings. 
He  is  not  a  fit  person  to  be  in  so  great  a  castle. 
Thou  art  shamming  !  " 

"  I  mean  every  word  ;  'tis  my  Lord  en  masque^ 
for  to-night  there  is  to  be  a  great  and  magnificent 
spectacle." 

"  And  what  does  that  mean,  Janet  ?  " 

"  It  means  there  is  to  be  a  masque  ball,  and  my 
Lord  Cedric  is  in  his  costume,  and  he  does  not 
look  like  that  at  all.  We  may  be  sure  he  appears 
quite  the  opposite  when  apparelled  in  his  usual 
dress." 

"  But  his  tongue,  he  cannot  change  that !  " 

"  Thou  wilt  have  to  wait  and  see  for  thyself, 

34 


The  Ball  35 

and  fortune  favours,  for  now  thou  wilt  not  have 
long  to  wait.  I  saw  his  wicked  young  eyes — too 
young  for  so  old  a  man,  as  it  appeared — directing 
enamoured  darts  upon  thee." 

"But  art  thou  not  afraid  of  so  oath-beladen 
tongue  ?  He  is  dreadfully  profane  !  " 

"  He  has  already  seen  his  peril  and  will  drop 
his  oaths  like  jetsam  and  wilt  come  to  thee  with 
flotsamy  oglings  and  tender  nothings  and  bow 
and  smirk ;  and  thou  wilt  find  thyself  an  old 
man's  sweetheart." 

"  Janet,  can  we  not  find  some  point  of  observa- 
tion where  we  may  look  upon  the  maskers  un- 
seen?" 

"Thou  art  speaking  my  own  mind.  I  will 
look  about  and  find  some  seclusion  that  thou 
mayest  look  and  sate  thine  eyes  upon  Royalty ; 
and  thou  wilt  gaze  and  gaze  and  make  mental 
annotations,  and  to-morrow  thou  wilt  begin  to 
preen  thy  feathers  preparatory  to  flying  forth ; 
but  first  thou  must  lie  down  and  sleep  three  full 
hours,  'tis  then  the  ball  will  be  at  its  height,  and 
thou  wilt  feel  refreshed  and  ready  to  amuse  me 
with  thy  observations.  'Twill  be  the  grandest 
sight  for  thee.  I  have  seen  many  but  none  so 
gorgeous  as  this  is  to  be." 

Janet  went  upon  a  tour  of  exploration  and 
finding  what  she  desired  in  the  way  of  a  quiet 
corner  returned  for  Katherine.  They  passed 
down  flights  of  steps,  through  halls,  and  came  to 


36  Mistress  Penwick 

a  large  corridor  that  opened  upon  a  gallery  which 
encircled  the  ballroom,  save  where  it  was  cleft  by 
a  great  stairway.  As  they  stood  looking  over 
the  railing,  'twas  like  looking  down  upon  an  im- 
mense concave  opal,  peopled  by  the  gorgeously 
apparelled.  Myriad  tints  seeming  to  assimulate 
and  focus  wherever  the  eyes  rested.  Gilt  be- 
wreathed  pillars,  mouldings,  shimmering  satin, 
lights,  jewels,  flowers,  ceiling,  gallery  and  par- 
quetry appeared  like  a  homogeneous  mass  of  opal. 
Mistress  Katherine  could  not  speak,  her  perturbed 
spirit  was  silent,  she  held  to  Janet  and  the  cur- 
tain that  hung  at  the  arch,  and  breathed  in  the 
perfume. 

"  Canst  see  thy  lord  yonder  ?  " 

"  Nay,  I  see  all  collectively,  but  nothing  indi- 
vidually ;  my  eyes  fail  to  separate  this  from  that." 

"Perhaps  if  thou  couldst  whip  them  to  his 
ugly  frame,  'twould  prove  an  antidote." 

"  'Twill  come  in  time, — I  can  now  discern  that 
'tis  the  folk  that  art  moving  and  not  the  flowers 
and  lights.  I  see  a  red  figure  seeming  to  hurry 
among  the  dancers,  looking  this  way  and  that, 
peering  and  peeping ;  he  has  lost  something." 

"  'Tis  more  probable  he  is  looking  for  what  he 
has  found ;  'tis  thy  stairway-beau  with  the  rose  ; 
he  has  retrieved  it  and  is  hot  upon  the  chase 
again.  He  is  looking  for  thee. — 'Tis  vain  my 
lord-devil,  thou  hadst  better  use  the  time  to 
swathe  thy  feet  in  asbestos-flax." 


The  Ball  37 

The  music  of  the  passacaglia  floated  up  and 
Katherine  drank  in  its  minor  sweetness.  Pres- 
ently the  dance  changed  into  the  chaconne  with 
its  prominent  bass  theme,  again  turning  to  the 
poetic  and  stately  sarabande. 

"  Now  I  do  see  the  Scot ;  he  is  by  far  the  most 
homely  figure  anywhere,  and  yet,  he  is  graceful, 
and  it  must  be  a  very  great  beauty  with  him.  How 
could  the  master  of  so  great  a  house  look  so  ? " 
The  music  changed  into  a  sprightly  gavotte, 
Katherine's  ears  fairly  tingled  with  the  confu- 
sion of  sound.  She  lay  her  head  upon  Janet's 
bosom  as  if  drunk  with  the  surfeit  of  music. 

"  'Tis  more  than  I  could  have  dreamed.  Didst 
ever  see  anything  so  beautiful  before  ?  It  seems 
years  ago  since  we  were  within  convent  walls  !  " 

"  'Twill  bring  thy  seeming  nearer  if  thy  lord 
proposes  a  speedy  return  to  the  cloister." 

"  Nay,  I  would  not  go." 

"  Ah,  then,  enjoy  the  present  and  think  of  mo- 
ments and  not  cycles.  Here  thou  shalt  sit  on 
this  low  divan,  behind  this  tripod  of  roses ;  there, 
thou  canst  hear  what  they  whisper  when  the 
music  ceases."  They  sat  ensconced  in  flowers 
and  drapings  of  satin  brocade,  looking  down 
upon  splendidly  and  wonderfully  dressed  princes 
and  dukes,  lords  and  counts,  with  their  ladies 
dancing  the  gavotte.  There  was  the  perfection 
of  beauty  and  stateliness  and  romance.  The  few 
unmasked  faces  were  smiling  and  bright  with 


38  Mistress  Penwick 

powder  and  rouge  ;  dainty  hands  flourished  fans ; 
and  there  was  the  low  click  of  high  heels  upon 
the  parquetry.  Jewels  flashed  and  brocades 
gleamed;  a  shimmering  accompaniment  com- 
pleting the  symmetry  of  the  brilliant  dance.  It 
was  not  long  before  Janet  called  her  companion's 
attention  to  the  lord  of  the  castle.  He  was 
dancing  now  with  a  very  beautiful  woman,  even 
more  so  than  the  one  before. 

"  He  steps  lightly,  being  so  bandied.  Now  I 
think  on  it,  'twere  possible  his  legs  were  cush- 
ioned thus  to  hide  a  senile  thinness  !  'Tis  human 
nature  when  badgered  by  excess  of  limit  to 
flounder  into  limitless  excess.  Look  upon  the 
Burgomaster  at  thy  feet  with  a  surfeit  of  good 
round  legs,  he  is  unfortunate  for  being  in  excess, 
he  cannot  whittle  down.  'Tis  a  queer  being  with 
whom  he  dances, — here  comes  a  queen,  see,  she 
stops  beneath  thee, — sh — '  Constance,'  my  lord 
devil  calls  her,  '  Constance ' ;  what  thinkest  thou, 
is  she  not  beautiful  ?  " 

"  See  the  bones  in  her  neck,  Janet,  they  pro- 
trude like  pulpy  blisters,  and  she  looks  flat  of 
chest  for  a  waist  so  abbreviated." 

"  I  see  thine  eyes  are  ever  upon  nature,  and  'tis 
best  if  thy  gaze  can  penetrate  the  heart  as  well." 

"  Surely  we  have  intuition,  and  I  like  not  Con- 
stance." 

"  How  about  my  lord  with  the  rose  ?  " 

"I  like  him," 


The  Ball  39 

"  Oh,  impressionable  youth !  '  thou  art  the 
gilded  sand  from  which  the  kiss  of  a  wave  washes 
every  impress.'  Tune  thy  myriad  atoms  to  imi- 
tate the  rock,  and  gird  thyself  with  strength  to 
meet  the  battery  of  onrushing  breakers  that  grind 
against  thee  !  Be  careful,  my  Lambkin,  fall  not 
in  love  with  the  first  handsome  face  thou  seest." 
The  music  ceased ;  there  was  naught  of  sound, 
but  a  babble  of  voice  and  soft,  gay  laughter.  The 
guests  passed  up  the  grand  stairway,  and  between 
the  pillars  that  guarded  the  entrance  to  the 
vaulted  gallery  beyond.  Immediately  beneath, 
where  Katherine  and  her  nurse  sat,  were  Con- 
stance and  her  Mephistophelian  consort.  The 
former  was  saying : 

"  And  thou  dost  say  she  is  extremely  beauti- 
ful ?  In  what  particular  is  this  queen  of  thine  so 
entrancing,  is  it  in  face  or  form  ?  " 

"  Her  face  is  divine,  and  her  form  ravishes  one 
with  delight." 

"  She  is  indeed  fortunate  to  be  such  a  goddess. 
If  she  is  a  lady-in-waiting  to  the  Royal  suite  she 
will  depart  to-morrow  !  "  and  there  was  relief  in 
the  supposition.  Constance  continued  :  "  I  saw 
my  kinsman's  list  of  invitation,  and  among  them 
all  there  was  not  one  fitting  thy  description  of 
this  paragon,  Adrian  !  " 

"  She  had  the  bearing  of  a  princess ;  she  must 
be  a  person  of  note  !  " 

"  Adrian," — and  she  grasped  his  arm  tightly, — 


40  Mistress  Pen  wick 

"dost  think,  thou  knowing  the  ways  of  men, 
Cedric  could  have  some  bright  being  here  to  keep 
him  from  the  dumps,  and  when  guests  are  pres- 
ent, hides  her  in  some  remoteness  ?  "  There  was 
more  in  Constance'  meaning  than  what  she  said. 

"  Nay,  nay,  any  man  would  be  proud  to — yet, 
if  Cedric  loved  he  would  be  very  jealous !  " 

"  Thinkest  thou  so  ?  " 

"  I  am  positive.  To-morrow,  Constance,  I  will 
watch  the  departure  of  the  guests,  and,  if  I  find 
not  the  maid,  I  will  let  thee  know,  and  we  will 
pounce  upon  my  Lord  Cedric  and  have  him  bring 
her  to  our  notice." 

"  Nay,  Adrian,  I'll  tell  thee  a  better  way.  If 
she  departs  not  with  the  company  to-morrow,  I 
will  search  the  castle  and  find  her ;  for  I  know 
every  cranny.  I  will  bring  about  a  meeting,  so 
thou  mayest  beau  her  privately  and  win  her  love 
before  Cedric  knows  aught ;  'twill  be  a  grand  joke 
to  play  upon  him,  and  'twill  pay  him  back  for 
trying  to  hide  from  us  the  gem  of  his  castle." 
They  looked  into  each  other's  eyes  but  an  instant, 
and  they  each  understood  the  other. 

"  'Tis  a  compact,  Constance.  'Twill  be  sweet 
to  meet  her  in  secret.  God  grant  she  may  be  a 
member  of  my  lord's  household!"  Like  a 
prayer  Constance  uttered  after  him,  as  they 
traversed  the  room  to  the  great  stairway,— 

"  God  grant  it  may  not  be  so !  " 

"Unlike    Hamlet's   prayer,   their  words  and 


The  Ball  41 

thoughts  both  fly  up,  and  to  such  a  prayer  they 
will  undoubtedly  receive  an  answer ;  but  whether 
'twill  be  satisfactory  to  the  one  or  the  other,  re- 
mains to  be  seen,  as  the  destination  of  their  sup- 
plications was  a  long  way  this  side  of  heaven — ' 
said  Janet,  as  she  wrapped  her  mistress  in  her 
grey  convent  cape  and  led  her  without  the  gallery. 

"  Is  it  possible  I  was  the  object  of  discussion, 
Janet  ?  " 

"'Tis  probable.  The  first  trophy  thou  hast 
gained  without  appearing  upon  the  field." 

"  And  what  is  that  ?  " 

"  A  woman's  hate ;  thy  rival  hast  given  thee 
the  first  token  of  success."  They  had  reached 
the  tower  chamber  and  Janet  began  to  prepare 
her  mistress  for  bed. 

.   "  I  cannot  understand  thee,  I  cannot  grasp  thy 
meaning." 

"  Neither  would  I  have  thee  understand ;  for 
if  I  took  from  thee  thy  innocent  mind,  I  would 
deprive  thee  of  thy  best  weapon.  Thou  hadst 
better  chatter  of  thy  poor,  grey  frock  thou  wilt 
don  on  the  morrow." 

Katherine  stood  before  a  small  mirror  divested 
of  her  outer  garments.  The  soft  white  thing 
that  bound  her  graceful,  sloping  shoulders,  had 
fallen  loose  displaying  her  glorious  white  neck 
and  bosom.  Janet  caught  the  mirrored  reflec- 
tion and  understood  and  answered, — 

"Nay,  thou   hast   no   pulpy   blisters,   neither 


42  Mistress  Penwick 

shalt  have  while  I  feed  thee  on  pap  and  rub  thee 
with  oil ;  nor  yet  a  flat  chest  for  thy  shoulders 
are  sunk  from  prominence  by  its  fulness." 

"  Shall  I  wear  a  low  bodice  thus,  Janet  ?  " 

"  Aye,  Lambkin." 

"And  high-heeled  boots  and  stays, — I  must 
have  stays  before  I  appear  at  my  lord's  table." 

"  Thou  shalt  not  have  that  'twould  squeeze  thy 
beauteous  mould."  The  faithful  Janet  unbound 
her  nursling  as  if  she  had  been  a  tiny  babe  and 
swathed  her  in  a  soft,  warm  thing,  and  bade  her 
get  to  bed.  Katherine  jumped  to  the  middle 
and  lay  panting,  with  happy  eyes  that  had 
naught  of  sleep  in  them,  until  on  a  sudden  Janet's 
voice  rung  like  a  menace  on  her  ears. 

"  Thou  hast  forgotten  thy  rosary  ;  thou  hast 
neither  said  an  Ave  Maria  or  a  Pater  Noster 
since  our  arrival.  Thou  wouldst  neglect  thy  re- 
ligion, and  'tis  thy  own,  sweet  precious  self  that 
will  pay  the  penalty." 

"  Nay,  nay,  Janet,  I  will  say  them  ten  times 
to  make  up  for  my  forgetfulness."  She  sprung 
from  her  bed. 

"  To  bed,  to  bed  ;  thou  shalt  not  kneel  upon 
the  floor  in  this  ice-bound  chamber.  Here,  take 
thy  beads  and  say  them  once  and  close  thy  azure 
eyes."  Janet  watched  until  the  wax-like  lids 
drooped,  then  softly  made  fast  the  doors.  She 
flung  herself  into  a  great  chintz-covered  chair 
and  fell  asleep  before  the  bright  fire. 


CHAPTER  IV 
HIS  LORDSHIP'S  PROPOSAL 

SHE  did  not  waken  until  aroused  by  the  grind- 
ing of  wheels  upon  the  gravel  beneath  the  win- 
dow. A  servant  brought  coals  and  wood  and 
built  a  roaring  fire  that  warmed  her  chilled 
bones.  She  ordered  her  mistress'  breakfast  for 
eleven  o'clock,  and  locking  the  door  upon  the  re- 
treating lackey,  settled  herself  in  the  chair  again 
and  fell  asleep.  She  was  next  awakened  by  a 
smart  rap  upon  the  door.  The  servant  stood 
upon  the  threshold  gazing  at  the  vision  of  beauty 
that  had  raised  upon  her  elbow  in  the  bed,  and 
was  looking  with  inquiring  eyes. 

"  His  Lordship  begs  Mistress  Penwick  to  step 
to  the  library  after  her  breakfast." 

"  Step,  to  be  sure,  thou  hadst  better  bring  a 
chariot  to  cart  her  there,  and  'twould  be  out  of 
the  question  for  her  to  go  before  getting  any- 
thing into  her  stomach  to  strengthen  her  for  the 
journey." 

"  Shall  I  tell  him  so,  mum  ?  "  said  the  servant, 
with  a  look  of  roguery  in  his  eyes. 

"  'T  would  become  thee  better  to  tell  him  without 
asking  if  thou  shouldst.  Avaunt,  get  thee  gone 

43 


44  Mistress  Pen  wick 

on  thy  mission."  Then  turning  to  Katherine, — 
"  'Twould  have  to  come  sooner  or  later  and  'tis 
best  sooner  I'm  thinking,"  and  Janet  stepped  to 
draw  the  curtains  to  let  in  but  a  sickly  grey  light. 
"Ah,  there  is  a  great  snowstorm!  and  there 
seems  to  be  a  large  party  about  to  set  forth  a 
hunting."  And  indeed  there  arose  to  their  ears 
a  great  noise  of  baying  hounds  and  the  tramping 
of  horses  in  the  courtyard,  and  voices  were  raised 
high  and  merry.  There  was  a  rattle  of  spurs 
and  champing  of  bits ;  and  as  the  two  women 
looked  from  the  window  the  party  set  forth. 

"  Thou  wilt  go  with  me,  Janet  ?  " 

"  As  far  as  the  library  door.  I  will  listen  and 
peep  through  the  keyhole  when  no  one  is  pass- 
ing." 

A  lackey  came  to  conduct  Mistress  Katherine 
below.  He  looked  surprised  at  Janet  as  she  fol- 
lowed them,  neither  was  his  curiosity  appeased 
when  Mistress  Pen  wick  passed  through  the  li- 
brary door,  and  the  severe-faced  Janet  sat  down 
upon  a  ponderous  chair  in  the  corridor  just  out- 
side. 

'Twas  a  great  room  with  enormous  fireplaces, 
and  in  front  of  one  of  them  stood  Lord  Cedric. 
There  was  a  smile  on  his  face  as  he  noted  his 
ward's  surprise.  She  looked  upon  him  with  in- 
terest and  finally  spoke, — 

"  Lord  Cedric  sent  for  me ;  he  is  not  here,"  and 
she  retreated  as  if  to  leave  the  room. 


His  Lordship's  Proposal  45 

"  Nay,  do  not  leave  until  thou  hast  become  ac- 
quainted with  Cedric  of  Crandlemar."  He  held 
out  his  hand  to  her  longingly,  pleadingly,  and 
stood  thus  before  her ;  his  figure  of  an  Adonis 
silhouetted  by  the  flames  that  reached  above  his 
head  in  the  great  chimney  behind  him.  His  face 
and  form  was  a  match  for  her  own.  A  hunting- 
coat  wrapped  his  broad  shoulders  ;  his  beauteous 
limbs  were  encased  in  high-field  boots,  showing 
well  his  fine  masculine  mould. 

"  How  many  lords  of  Crandlemar  are  there  ?  " 
she  asked,  almost  contemptuously. 

"  One,  only,"  and  he  still  held  out  his  hand 
with  a  gesture  of  entreaty.  "  I  was  the  ill-hu- 
moured, boisterous  man  in  Scotch  attire  last  night. 
I  beg  thee  to  forgive  and  forget  it.  Come — come 
—thou  art  my  ward." 

"  But  my  Lord  Cedric  is  an  old  man,  as  old  as 
my  father,  and  is  Scotch." 

"  Thou  art  speaking  of  my  father ;  he  has  been 
dead  five  years.  Thy  father  did  not  know  of  his 
death  when  he  sent  thee  to  England.  And  my 
mother  " — his  voice  trembled — "  died  when  I  was 
born.  I  was  reared  without  a  woman's  love. 
Angel  was  too  old  to  teach  me  tenderness.  She 
has  tried  to  guide  me ;  but  Kate — thy  father  calls 
thee  so — I  have  had  no  one  to  love  me  like  thee. 
I  have  lived  a  wild,  boisterous  life  in  Scotland 
most  of  the  time,  and  after  father  died  I  went  to 
France.  I  have  lived  wickedly,  Kate;  I  have 


46  Mistress  Penwick 

given  myself  over  to  oaths,  and — and — and— 
drink ; — 'twas  so  last  night  when  I  saw  for  the 
first  time  the  woman  I  loved ;  who  was  as  fair 
in  face,  form  and  soul,  as  all  I  had  ever  pictured 
or  dreamed.  "Wilt  thou  forget  my  course 
tongue  and  try — try — to — to — to  love  me,  Kate. 
Thou  wilt  say  'tis  soon  to  speak  so  to  thee; 
but  why  keep  back  that  'tis  best  for  me  to  say 
and  thou  to  know  ? "  She  could  not  mistake 
the  ring  of  truth  in  his  voice  that  was  now  so 
pleading. 

"  Come,  come," —  and  as  if  a  happy  thought 
occurred,  reached  into  his  pocket  and  drew  forth 
a  letter; — "here  is  thy  proof  that  I  am  Lord 
Cedric ;  thy  father's  letter,"  he  held  it  toward 
her.  She  came  and  reached  her  hand  for  it,  tim- 
idly. His  Lordship  was  one  of  the  most  passion- 
ate of  youths,  nor  could  he  restrain  his  ardour. 
He  caught  her  hand  and  drew  her  to  him,  meet- 
ing her  graceful  body  with  his  own;  his  hot 
breath  was  upon  her  hair,  and  he  panted  forth  ; 
—  "Kate,  Kate,  I  love  thee,"  his  arm  was  reach- 
ing about  her,  when  she  called  Janet  stoutly. 
The  door  was  flung  open  and  the  nurse's  face 
looked  upon  the  youth  like  an  ominous  thing  of 
strength, — then  surprise  broke  over  it  and  she 
spoke  forth, — 

"  "Who  art  thou,  perfidious  youth  ?  " 
"  I  am  Cedric  of  Crandlemar,  and  I  was  saluting 
my  ward."     Janet  took  her  mistress  from  him  as 


His  Lordship's  Proposal  47 

he  half  supported  her,  and  sat  down,  drawing  her 
into  her  lap.  Katherine  fell  to  weeping. 

"  What  has  happened  to  thee,  Lambkin  ?  " 

"  I  don't  know,"  sobbed  Katherine,  "  assure  me 
if  'tis  Lord  Cedric." 

"  We  will  accept  him,  anyway,  for  'tis  a  better 
subject  than  my  Lord  Scot  of  last  night."  There- 
upon Cedric  fell  upon  one  knee  at  Janet's  feet, 
and  bent  his  handsome  head  to  Katherine's  hand 
and  kissed  it. 

"  Nay,  nay,  thy  lips  burn  me,  and  I  hate  thee 
for  it ! "  She  wiped  her  hand  upon  her  dress, 
and  turned  her  head  from  Janet's  bosom  and  cast 
a  scornful  glance  through  her  tears. 

"  I  love  her,  Janet,  and  she  hates  me.  Her 
father  gave  her  to  me  to  love  and  guard  and — 
marry,  'tis  in  the  letter  so ;  and  she  shall " 

"  Thou  talkest  too  strong  to  so  young  a  maid ; 
thou  must  remember  that  she  is  but  fifteen,  and 
never  used  to  beaux.  Thou  art  the  first  man 
beside  her  father  to  so  much  as  touch  her 
hand." 

"  She  fifteen,  'tis  not  possible ! "  and  his  en- 
amoured glance  swept  her  form, — "  'tis  not  pos- 
sible." Mistress  Katherine's  colour  blenched  and 
heightened,  for  the  ardent  masculine  eyes  made 
her  like  and  hate  in  turn  ;  his  countenance  glowed 
with  warm  youthfulness  which  both  attracted 
and  repulsed  her;  and  she  hid  her  face  again 
upon  Janet's  shoulder. 


48  Mistress  Penwick 

"  'Tis  rather  young  to  become  wife,  but  I  can- 
not live  away  from  her,  I  must  have  her." 

"  Nay,  thou  must  wait  until  she  is  past  sixteen, 
and  knows  her  own  mind." 

"  I  cannot  wait,  Janet,  I  am  too  inflammable, 
she  consumes  me  with  her  beauty." 

"  Then  I  had  better  take  her  where  thou  canst 
not  see  her." 

"  Nay,  nay,  she  shall  not  leave  me  for  a  day 
nor  hour.  She  is  mine  absolutely,  and  I'll  have 
her.  I  have  found  what  is  more  precious  than 
all  else  to  me."  As  Katherine's  eyes  were  hid, 
Janet  placed  her  fingers  upon  her  lips,  enjoining 
silence  upon  the  passionate  man  before  her.  'Twas 
a  simple  thing,  but  Cedric  knew  from  that  mo- 
ment he  had  gained  a  powerful  ally.  He  rose  to 
his  feet,  and,  in  softened  tones,  continued, — "  'Tis 
the  first  time  I  have  ever  loved,  and  'tis  natural 
I  should  be  impetuous ; "  then  in  a  tone  that  was 
full  of  magnanimity, — "  I  will  give  thee  time  to 
rest  from  thy  long  journey  before  we  buy  the 
wedding  garments,  I  will  give  thee  a  whole 
week."  Then  'twas  that  Katherine  spoke, — 

"  A  whole  week,  indeed,  I  shall  not  marry  thee 
at  all,  never,  I  hate  thee.  Thou  wilt  give  me 
my  heritage  and  I  will  go  from  thy  house ;  my 
father  gave  it  and  me  into  thy  father's  care  not 
thine,  I  will  write  to  him  at  once  and  tell  him  of 
this  terrible  mistake." 

"  Thy  father  is  — "  he  caught  himself  in  time. 


His  Lordship's  Proposal  49 

"  Thy  father  is — what  ?  "  And  she  looked  at 
him  closely. 

"Is  too  far  away  over  seas,  and — might  be 
hard  to  find." 

"  Then  I  will  go  to  him." 

"  Thou  wilt  remain  where  thou  art." 

"  Thou  talkest  like  foolish  children.  'Twould 
better  become  thee  to  prattle  of  frocks  and  fix- 
ings for  my  Lady  Penwick.  Your  Lordship  will 
see  to  it  at  once  ?  "  It  was  a  happy  suggestion. 
Cedric  leant  over  Katherine. 

"  Come,  tell  me  what  thou  wilt  have  from  Lon- 
don town?  thou  shalt  have  all  thy  heart  asks 
for." 

"Thou  art  generous  with  my  belongings." 
'Twas  an  unfriendly  cut. 

"  Come,  Mistress,  what  will  thou  have,  make 
out  a  list  and  I  will  send  it  by  a  courier." 

"  I  prefer  to  go  myself." 

"  I  have  guests  and  cannot  go  with  thee  at  the 
present, — and  thou  canst  not  go  without  me ;  but 
thou  shalt  have  the  more  for  this  very  cause. 
Come,  tell  me  thy  heart's  desire.  Be  good  to  me 
Kate,  I  love  thee  so ;  I  must  tell  thee,  it  cuts  me 
to  the  quick  to  have  thee  so  set  against  me. 
Thou  wilt  espouse  me  some  day,  sweet  one  ?  " 
Katherine  stood  up  and  shot  a  withering  glance 
full  upon  him. 

"Nay,  nay,  nay, — thou  wilt  let  me  go  from 
thee ! " 


50  Mistress  Penwick 

"  I  beg  thy  pardon,  Mistress  Penwick,  I  will 
urge  thee  no  more  now  ;  but  tell  me  thy  wishes. 
Thou  will  have  first  of  all,  a  beautiful  hat  with 
feathers  reaching  to  thy  shoulder-tips,  and  dainty 
brocade  gowns  with  boots  of  the  same  hue,  and 
jewelled  fans,  and  ribbons  and  laces  and  all  kinds 
of  furbelows,  and  I  will  give  thee  to-day  some 
jewels,  rings,  and  — 

"And  a  necklace  like  Constance  has?"  put 
in  Katherine,  unthinkingly. 

"  Constance — where  didst  thou  see  her  ?  "  His 
voice  and  manner  showed  annoyance.  "  Where 
didst  see  her,  Kate?"  There  was  a  blush  on 
her  face  as  she  answered, 

"At  the  ball." 

"  Thou  wert  not  there,"  he  said,  incredulously. 

"  Janet  and  I  looked  on  from  the  gallery,  and 
Constance  stood  beneath  us.  'Twas  a  beautiful 
thing  that  encircled  her  throat." 

"  Aye,  they  were  pearls ;  but  thou  shalt  have 
a  circlet  that  wilt  not  so  hide  thy  pink  hued 
neck.  To-day,  Kate,  I  will  give  thee  some  gems 
and  thou  shalt  go  with  me  to  the  great  chests 
and  see  the  laces  they  contain  ; — and  thy  colours, 
Kate,  what  are  thy  favourite  colours  ?  " 

"I  love  white  and  violet."  A  happy  smile 
covered  Cedric's  face. 

"  'Tis  my  mother's  choice  and  by  that  I  hit 
upon  thy  fancy  as  thou  shalt  soon  see."  Cedric 
racked  his  brain  for  more  pleasant  things  to 


His  Lordship's  Proposal  51 

say.  "  And  thou  shalt  have  a  horse  and  learn 
to  ride." 

"  Oh,  Janet,  to  have  a  horse  all  my  own !  'tis 
too  good  to  be  true ;  'tis  a  thing  I  have  dreamt 
of."  And  the  delighted  girl  flung  herself  at 
Janet's  feet  and  embraced  her  knees  from  sheer 
ecstasy.  It  seemed  peace  had  come  to  stay ; 
and  for  a  moment  Cedric  looked  upon  her  with 
eyes  full  of  admiration  and,  yes,  heart  full  of 
love ;  then, — 

"  Art  sure  thou  hast  thought  of  all  thou  wouldst 
have,  is  the  list  complete,  Janet ;  canst  thou  not 
suggest  something  more  ?  I  will  send  it  to  one 
of  the  court  mantua-makers  and  if  thou  sendest 
the  proper  measurements  our  lady  will  soon  be  a 
modish  butterfly."  At  the  word  modish  a  sud- 
den thought  came  to  Katherine  and  she  leant 
over  and  whispered  in  Janet's  ear ;  then  Janet 
said: 

"She  must  have  a  pair  of  stays  with  each 
frock." 

"  Nay,  nay,  she  shall  not  have  stays  to  pinch 
so  fair  a  mould ;  she  shall  not  have  stays,  nay, 
nay,  sweet  Kate."  'Twas  then  Mistress  Penwick 
flew  into  a  passion.  She  clinched  her  fists  and 
her  face  grew  scarlet ;  she  shook  her  head  and 
threw  glances  like  sword-thrusts  at  Cedric,  and 
said  not  a  word  but  stamped  her  foot.  As  she 
did  so,  she  saw  that  in  Cedric's  eyes  that  made 
her  calm  her  passion  on  a  sudden.  'Twas  steel 


52  Mistress  Penwick 

against  steel.  It  was  Janet's  voice  that  drew 
Katherine's  attention ;  for  it  had  in  it  something 
it  never  had  heretofore ;  it  was  full  of  reproach. 

"  Lambkin,  thou  art  too  young  for  either  stays 
or  such  a  show  of  passion.  I  beg  thee  to  quench 
thy  evil  spirit,  it  does  not  become  thee."  Kather- 
ine  bent  her  head  and  turned  from  them  toward 
the  door.  Cedric  called, 

"  Do  not  leave  until  we  have  all  things  settled ! 
Kate,  dost  hear  me  speaking  ?  "  She  pretended 
deaf  ears.  "Kate,"  he  said,  with  emphasis, 
"dost  hear  me?  Mistress  Pen  wick,  hear  me, 
heed,  heed ! "  he  thundered,  and  stamped  his 
foot,  the  spurs  rattling  upon  the  hearthstone. 
She  turned  about  reluctantly  and  rested  her 
hand  upon  the  great  oaken  table,  looking  at 
Janet  as  if  it  had  been  she  that  had  spoken. 
Cedric  drew  himself  up  proudly,  and  spoke  in  a 
firm,  full  voice, 

"  I  am  thy  father,  brother,  guardian,  anything 
that  love  could  be  to  thee,  and  all  that  I  have  is 
thine,  and  when  thou  art  with  me  thou  mayest 
do  as  thy  heart  dictates,  but  when  thou  shalt 
cross  yonder  threshold  thou  shalt  conduct  thy- 
self as  becomes  a  daughter  and  mistress  of  the 
castle.  I  have  beneath  my  roof  guests — my  kins- 
woman, Lady  Constance,  whom  I  have  bidden  to 
remain  indefinitely,  she  being  so  near  of  kin  has 
been  mistress  here ;  but,  from  the  moment  thou 
didst  enter  the  portal  of  Cedric's  house,  'twas 


His  Lordship's  Proposal  53 

thou  became  mistress,  thou — thou  mistress  of  my 
home,  and  heart  as  well ;  thou  wilt  accept  the 
former  mission,  and  I  will  fight  with  all  of  cupid's 
weapons  until  thou  dost  accept  the  latter.  'Tis 
a  pragmatic  duty  to  follow  my  words  and  under- 
stand them  and  demean  thyself  accordingly.  To- 
night thou  wilt  come  to  the  drawing-room  at 
the  prandium  hour,  and  'twill  be  my  pleasure  to 
seat  thee  at  table,  and  'twould  be  best  if  I  ac- 
knowledged our  espousal." 

"  Nay,  nay,  I  will  not  come  then." 
"Thou  shalt  come  if  thou  art  in  the  castle," 
Janet's  scowling  face  under  cover  of  the  high- 
backed  chair  stopped  his  lordship's  impetuosity, 
"  hast  a  frock,  Kate  ?  thou  shalt  go  to  the  chest 
and  find  for  thee  some  bright  thing  and  I  will 
send  from  Crandlemar  a  woman  to  help  thee 
with  thy  attire.  Angel  will  come  to  take  thee 
to  see  the  jewels,  and  thou  shalt  have  those  thou 
carest  to  take.  I  would  see  thy  choice,  Kate.  I 
can  almost  guess  it  now.  So  come,  Kate,  the 
storm  without  should  insure  good  cheer  within ; 
and  with  thy  bright  face  the  castle  will  be  aglow. 
Come,  say  au  revoir,  Kate."  She  held  out  her 
hand  and  faltered  forth  au  revoir.  There  was 
the  language  of  the  convent  in  that  one  word 
and  it  rung  sweet  upon  her  ear.  He  took  her 
hand  between  his  own  and  bent  and  kissed  it 
tenderly,  " au  revoir,  au  revoir"  he  said,  then 
turned  quickly  from  her. 


54  Mistress  Penwick 

Outside  stood  old  flabby-face,  as  Janet  pleased 
to  call  her,  when  alone  with  Katherine,  but  des- 
ignated by  the  servants  as  Sophia. 

"  His  Ludship  ordered  Mistress  Pen  wick's  room 
changed." 

"  Thou  dost  mean,  rather,  he  advised  a  change 
of  room;  'twould  be  difficult  to  convey  the 
tower  chamber  elsewhere." 

It  was  a  beautiful  room  into  which  Sophia  led 
them  and  beyond  were  others  belonging  to  the 
same  suite,  all  in  white  and  gold,  with  mirrors 
and  painted  walls  garlanded  with  cupids  and 
floral  wreaths,  and  silken  curtains  at  bed  and 
windows;  and  cushions  and  beautiful  venuses 
and  rare  potpourri.  And  when  they  were  quite 
alone  Janet  strutted  up  and  down  the  rooms  en- 
joying the  fulness  of  her  cup. 

"  'Tis  more  than  thou  dreamed  again,  eh,  Lady 
Penwick?  Thou  hast  fallen  heir  to  a  queen's 
portion  without  the  ennui  of  satiety." 

"  Truly  'tis  a  wondrous  castle ;  but  Janet  can 
Lord  Cedric  espouse  me  because  he  is  my  guard- 
ian?" 

"  Nay,  child,  but  he  loves  thee,  and  he  means 
to  win  thee  if  'tis  possible.  He  is  young  and 
self-willed  and  passionful,  and  he  will  have  his 
own  way.  Dost  like  him,  Lambkin  ?  " 

"  Somewhat,  but  I  hate  him  most." 

"  Thou  wilt  impeach  thy  sweet  tongue  by  that 
viscid  '  hate ' ;  thou  hadst  better  indulge  in  less 


His  Lordship's  Proposal  55 

of  devil's  warfare  and  leave  room  for  digestion 
of  gentle  peace.  Thou  hast  bloomed  into  a  beau- 
teous maid,  but  thy  temper  hath  blown  also. 
My  lord  hast  seen  many  beauties  that  he  could 
have  for  the  asking,  and  they  are  doubtless  meek 
and  gentle  creatures  with  soft  and  ready  answer ; 
but  if  thy  cantankerous  untowardness  continues 
he  will  set  thee  down  as  a  shrewish  wench  and 
will  heartily  dislike  thee." 

"  Nay,  I  would  not  have  any  one  dislike  me." 
"Then  cease  thy  uprisings."  There  came  a 
low  knock,  and  an  old  grey-haired  woman 
stepped  into  the  room  with  that  in  her  face 
Janet  stood  up  to  honour.  She  advanced  to 
Katherine  and  in  a  trembling  voice  said, 

"Thou  art  my  lord's  ward, — ah,  I  remember 
thy  father  well;  thou  art  a  Penwick  over  and 
over  again,  I  could  see  it  with  half  an  eye.  I 
knew  thy  father  when  he  was  a  mere  lad,  so 
high ;  he  had  as  bonny  a  face  as  one  cared  to 
see.  They  tell  me  thou  didst  expect  to  see  here 
my  poor  master ;  is't  so  ?  Aye, — well  thou  hast 
found  his  son,  the  blessedst  man  that  walks  the 
earth.  He  has  a  wicked,  bad  tongue  at  times, 
but  he  means  nothing.  I  nursed  him  and  his 
father,  and  am  longing  for  a  wife  for  his  lord- 
ship." Then :  "  I  am  Angel  Bodkin,  and  have 
come  to  conduct  thee  to  the  vaults."  She  led 
them  forth,  talking  all  the  while. 


CHAPTER  V 

BACCHUS   AND   BACCHANTES 

LADY  CONSTANCE  had  exhausted  every  means 
of  procuring  the  desired  information  concerning 
the  strange  beauty  in  her  kinsman's  castle ;  and 
she  became  fretted  and  annoyed  and  was  about 
to  give  up  all  hope,  when  she  came  suddenly 
upon  the  object  of  her  search  in  the  corridor ; 
and  the  beauteous  maid,  grey-gowned  and  sandal- 
shoon,  flitted  by  without  deigning  so  much  as  a 
look.  And  my  Lady  Constance  swept  by  with 
hate  of  this  formidable  creature  in  her  evil  heart. 
She  felt  it  was  almost  understood  that  Lord 
Cedric  would  espouse  her ;  she,  Lady  Constance 
Clarmot.  To  be  sure,  she  was  somewhat  of  riper 
years  than  he,  but  that  counted  for  naught  since 
they  had  always  loved  each  other.  She  was  of 
a  great  family  and  proud  and  had  of  her  own, 
titles  and  estates  and — yes,  beauty.  She  fell  to 
thinking  of  the  many  ways  in  which  Cedric  had 
shown  his  love  for  her.  He  had  consulted  her 
on  all  occasions  upon  the  most  trivial  matters 
until  the  present  instance.  "  Could  it  be  possible 
she  is  some  soft-natured  wench  that  hath  fallen 
beneath  his  eye  and  charmed  him,  and  he  has 

56 


Bacchus  and  Bacchantes  57 

brought  her  here?  Nay,  nay,  he  would  not 
bring  such  an  one  beneath  his  roof  while  I  re- 
mained, and  yet  I  have  but  just  come  and  he 
hath  kept  her  hid ;  'tis  possible  he  will  send  her 
away  at  once."  She  soliloquized  thus  until  the 
candles  were  brought,  and  the  curtains  drawn  to 
shut  out  the  storm,  and  she  sat  beneath  her 
maid's  hands  heeding  naught  save  her  bitter 
thoughts.  "  What  had  become  of  Adrian  ?  Why 
had  he  not  been  in  to  see  her;  surely  by  this 
time  he  had  learned  something  being  out  the 
whole  afternoon  hunting,  perhaps  side  by  side 
with  Cedric."  Thus  she  fretted,  and  scolded  her 
maid  until  it  was  time  to  go  to  the  drawing-room. 
It  was  a  picturesque  scene ;  the  ancient  castle 
with  its  crenellated  tower,  from  which  now 
pointed  a  tall  flag-pole,  the  British  Royal  Ensign 
bound  closely  about  it,  its  colours  being  distinctly 
visible  through  its  casing  of  ice ;  for  an  immense 
quadruple-faced  light  was  placed  high  up  in  the 
fork  of  a  tree  opposite  the  great  window  of  the 
vaulted  saloon,  casting  its  beam  to  the  very  pin- 
nacle of  the  ensign-staff ;  lighting  the  castle  from 
end  to  end  upon  its  northern  side,  where  the 
great  avenues  converged.  A  shaft  reluctantly 
and  gloomily  effused  the  near  density  of  the 
forest;  another  ray  gladdening  the  expectant 
eyes  of  the  guest  from  London  way ;  while  yet 
another  broad  gleam  sped  the  departing  traveler 
over  the  threshold  of  the  forest  into  the  gloom- 


58  Mistress  Penwick 

environed  pathway  beyond.  Upon  every  shelv- 
ing projection  of  the  unhewn  stone  structure  was 
ice.  The  entire  walls  scintillated  with  a  fairy 
brilliancy,  and  the  trees  as  they  swayed  back  and 
forth  propelled  by  the  unceasing  wind  caused 
such  a  coruscation  of  sparkles  it  fairly  blinded 
the  spectator.  Beneath  the  spreading  branches 
were  a  host  of  men,  horses  and  dogs.  The  gay 
costumes  of  the  huntsmen  showing  resplendent 
in  the  ice-bespangled  light.  The  horns  were 
lowered,  and  there  was  a  confusion  of  tongues 
between  groomsmen  and  lackeys ;  and  there  were 
shouts  of  welcome  from  the  wide-open  doorway 
of  the  servants'  hall;  for  'twas  here  the  game 
was  brought  and  laid  upon  the  stone  floor  or 
hung  upon  pegs  on  the  wall  for  the  inspection 
of  the  guests.  Lord  Cedric  leapt  from  his  horse, 
throwing  the  reins  to  a  wraiting  groom;  strode 
into  the  hall  with  rattling  spurs  and  flung  through 
the  rooms  and  up  the  stairway  to  his  Lady  Kath- 
erine's  bower,  and  rapped  smartly  upon  the  pan- 
elling of  the  door.  The  vision  that  met  his  am- 
orous eyes  sent  him  hot  and  cold ;  and  'twas  with 
difficulty  he  restrained  himself  from  encircling 
her  full,  glowing  body. 

"  The  hours  I  have  been  from  thee  have 
seemed  weeks,  and  I  was  of  no  use  in  the  field ; 
my  gun  would  entangle  in  the  low-hanging 
boughs ;  and  on  the  wold  my  steed's  feet  were 
caught  in  the  dry  gorse,  until  I  could  not  get 


Bacchus  and  Bacchantes  59 

near  enough  to  shoot  anything.  On  the  other 
hand,  Cupid  has  arrowed  me  to  the  death,  and  I 
come, — a  shade  for  thee  to  put  life  into  ;  and  the 
sight  of  thee  is  a  life-giving  thing."  Katherine's 
face  flamed  with  his  warm  words,  and  the  con- 
sciousness of  the  beauty  of  her  new  adornment ;  for 
she  stood  before  him  in  an  amber  shimmering  stuff 
that  clung  to  her  lithe  limbs,  hiding  not  her  slen- 
der ankle  and  her  arched  satin  shoe,  as  her  dress 
caught  about  a  stool  that  held  it.  The  short 
round  waist  betrayed  the  fulness  of  her  form, 
and  Cedric  turned  his  eyes  away  from  sheer  gid- 
diness, drunk  with  love.  He  spoke  to  Janet 
with  quick  breath  : — "  Bring  her  down  to  see  the 
game." — Then,  suddenly, — "  Where  are  thy  jew- 
els, Kate  ?  "  He  espied  a  casket,  and  hastening 
to  it  took  from  it  rings,  fitting  them  upon  Mis- 
tress Pen  wick's  tapering  fingers,  until  her  hand 
was  heavy.  Of  other  jewels  she'd  have  none. 
"  But  thou  must  have  a  shoulder  knot,"  said  Ced- 
ric, and  he  took  from  the  casket  a  glittering 
shoulder  brooch  of  opals  and  clasped  it  in  the 
satin  of  her  frock,  and  drew  from  a  tripod  of 
white  and  gold  a  flaming  jacqueminot  and  gave 
it  into  her  hand  and  led  her  forth,  followed 
closely  by  Janet.  Down  the  great  stairway  he 
led  her  proudly,  through  corridor  and  passage, 
until  they  reached  the  servants'  hall,  where  the 
clamour  of  voices  and  baying  hounds  was  like 
pandemonium ;  and  at  the  sound  Mistress  Pen- 


60  Mistress  Penwick 

wick  drew  back  with  fear.  For  a  moment  Ced- 
ric  was  sorely  tried  to  keep  from  bending  to 
those  rose-bowed  lips.  She  saw  him  hesitate, 
and  stammered  forth : 

"  Lead  on,  my  lord  !  " 

He  swung  open  the  door  and  instantly  all  eyes 
were  set  upon  his  fair  ward.  First  his  Lordship's 
face  was  exultant,  then  seeing  Mistress  Penwick's 
glances  that  pierced  every  masculine  heart,  and 
her  dazzling  beauty  drunk  in  by  all ;  his  face 
grew  dark,  and  jealousy  possessed  him,  and  fear 
crept  in,  and  he  vowed  to  wed  her  at  the  earliest 
moment. 

"  'Tis  Sir  John  Penwick's  daughter,  Mistress 
Katherine  Penwick,  my  father's  ward,"  and  he 
led  her  to  their  midst. 

"  She  is  a  wondrous  beauty,"  many  murmured 
as  they  saw  her. 

"Dazzling,  by  God !"  whispered  some  of  the 
masculines  that  stood  apart,  and  there  were 
others  that  spoke  not  a  word,  but  stood  spell- 
bound at  her  majestic  mien.  A  gorgeously  ap- 
parelled figure  swept  to  his  Lordship's  side,  and 
a  little  hand  crept  into  his  and  black  flashing 
eyes  looked  up,  and  a  soft  voice  whispered,— 

"Thou  didst  never  speak  of — this,  the  most 
charming  of  thy  possessions,  heretofore,  Cedric. 
I  knew  not  thou  didst  inherit  so  beauteous  a  be- 
ing from  thy  father.  But  Sir  John, — England 
has  not  heard  of  his  death " 


Bacchus  and  Bacchantes  61 

"  Sh !  sh !  she  does  not  know,"  Cedric  an- 
swered. 

"  Not  know  —  ah !  "  and  Lady  Constance 
drew  from  him  and  looked  at  Katherine  with 
malice  and  thought  evil ;  'tis  not  Sir  John's 
daughter,  'tis  some  trick  Cedric  plays  upon  his 
guests  and  me  ;  it  goes  to  show  that  his  relations 
to  her  are  ill,  and  his  intentions  are  to  raise  her 
to  our  level.  Nay,  nay,  Cedric,  I  will  lift  thee 
beyond  such  a  thing.  When  he  has  time  alone, 
I  will  gain  his  ear  and  taunt  him  with  a  de- 
bauched youth  ;  free  from  heart  or  conscience  ;  a 
rake  to  betray  ;  and  I  will  win  him  from  beau- 
teous, youthful  Bacchante.  'Tis  his  pleasure  to 
swear  and  swagger ;  but  at  twenty-three  he 
should  not  begin  to  carouse  with  female  beauty. 
'Tis  time,  and  I  will  tell  him  so,  for  him  to  bring 
a  lady  as  wife  to  the  castle.  I  will  speak  to  him 
at  once.  He  has  gone  too  far." 

Lord  Cedric  drew  Katherine  to  inspect  the 
trophies  of  the  chase,  and  explained  their  kind 
and  the  mode  of  capture.  She  with  others  fol- 
lowed him  ;  the  gentler  folk  raising  frocks  from 
pools  and  streams  of  blood,  thereby  displaying 
high-heeled  shoe  and  slender  ankle  and  ruffles  of 
rare  lace  ;  and  they  gathered  close  about  Mistress 
Pen  wick,  drinking  in  her  simple  convent  ways  of 
glance  and  gesture  and  fresh,  young  spirit. 

Then  his  Lordship  led  them  to  the  grand  sa- 
loon. It  was  the  glory  of  the  castle,  this  great 


62  Mistress  Penwick 

room  of  forty  feet  in  width  and  sixty  in  length. 
The  ceiling  supported  upon  either  side  by  slender 
Corinthian  pillars,  was  panelled  and  exquisitely 
frescoed  with  nude  female  figures  that  were  re- 
flected in  the  highly  polished  floor  of  marquetry 
woods.  The  walls  were  covered  with  old  tapes- 
tries and  rare  pictures.  There  were  two  im- 
mense windows ;  the  one  at  the  south  end  of  the 
room  was  quite  twenty  feet  square  of  Egyptian 
style.  The  one  to  the  north  reached  from  floor 
to  ceiling  and  from  side  to  side.  It  was  draped 
by  a  single  ruby-coloured  velvet  curtain  that  was 
so  artistically  caught  by  rope-like  cords  of  silk 
that,  by  a  draw,  could  be  lifted  upward  and  to 
either  side  in  luxurious  folds,  exposing  the  entire 
window.  At  present  the  great  saloon  was 
lighted  by  seven  immense  lustres  of  fifty  candles 
each,  and  with  twenty  sconces  each  bearing  fif- 
teen candles.  The  effulgent  gleam  cast  from 
these  myriad  flames  upon  polished  woods,  busts, 
statues,  unique  bric-a-brac,  gildings,  glass  and 
ruby  velvet  produced  the  perfection  of  old-time 
splendour.  And  now,  as  the  gallant  beaux  led 
in  fair  maidens,  it  gave  the  picture  life.  The 
great  north  window  disclosed  the  ice-bound  trees 
in  all  their  primitive  ruggedness.  The  snow  and 
sleet  were  vigorously  driven  by  the  wind  that 
howled  continuously.  The  light  from  the  forked- 
tree  cast  through  the  window  rays  that  resembled 
moonlight,  as  they  mingled  with  the  radiance 


Bacchus  and  Bacchantes  63 

within,    while    outside    it    twinkled    with    the 
sprightliness  of  old-fashioned  humour. 

Cedric  of  Crandlemar  was  noted  among  beaux 
old  and  young  of  his  intimate  acquaintance  for 
the  spicy  diversions  with  which  he  entertained 
his  friends,  when  they  were  so  fortunate  as  to  be 
present  at  his  stag  parties.  Arriving  home  after 
a  long  absence,  he  opened  his  castle  upon  St. 
Valentine's  eve  with  a  ball,  wherein  his  guests 
appeared  in  full  court  costume,  in  honour  of  the 
Royal  guests.  The  weeks  following  had  been 
filled  with  stately  entertainment ;  and  now  his 
Royal  and  formal  guests  had  departed,  and  the 
throng  that  passed  into  the  great  saloon  were 
youths  and  maidens  of  neighbouring  counties ; 
some  college  friends  and  kinsmen.  They  entered 
with  gay  abandon.  The  beaux  were  whetted  to 
great  curiosity,  for  'twas  whispered  among  them 
that  after  a  short  evening  with  the  ladies,  there 
were  to  appear  a  bevy  of  London-town  dancing 
girls,  who  would  give  them  a  highly  flavoured 
entertainment ;  and,  as  if  Bacchus  had  prema- 
turely begun  to  disport  himself  in  brain  and  leg 
of  each  beau,  he  set  about  to  ogle  and  sigh  and 
wish  and — pull  a  stray  curl  upon  some  maiden's 
forehead  or  touch  her  glowing  cheek  with  cold 
fingers,  and  some  began  to  illustrate  the  modus 
operandi  of  taking  certain  game,  while  another 
danced  a  clog  or  contra-dance  or  Sir  Roger  de 
Coverley.  The  maidens  caught  the  spirit  and 


64:  Mistress  Penwick 

answered  back  glance  for  glance,  and  being 
equipped  for  conquest  let  go  the  full  battery  of 
their  woman's  witchery.  It  made  a  charming 
spectacle  of  young  and  noble  blood  indulging  in 
the  abandon  of  the  hour.  There  were  dames 
that  set  the  pace  for  modest  maidenhood,  that 
ogled  with  the  younger  beaux, — (as  they  do  to 
this  day).  Lady  Bettie  Payne  swept  her  fingers 
over  the  keys  of  an  Italian  spinet,  that  was  or- 
namented with  precious  stones,  and  sat  upon  a 
table  of  coral-veined  wood;  she  sung  soft  and 
tenderly  of  the  amours  of  Corydon,  and  neither 
her  voice  nor  the  low  tinkling  of  the  spinet 
reached  to  the  further  end  of  the  room  where 
Adrian  Cantemir  played  upon  the  grand  harp- 
sichord a  dashing  piece  that  was  intended  to 
charm  at  least,  the  beauteous  Katherine,  who 
stood  near.  Lord  Cedric  leant  over  and  begged 
the  Kussian  count  to  change  the  tune  to  a 
gavotte.  He  did  so,  and  Cedric  brought  forth 
Katherine  and  placed  her  fair  to  watch  his  step 
till  she  might  catch  the  changes.  Thus  he 
trained  her  carefully  and  with  precision,  and 
when  Cantemir  saw  the  trap  that  held  him 
where  he  was  and  gave  Lord  Cedric  the  upper- 
hand,  he  fell  into  the  spleen  and  played  out  of 
time,  and  Cedric  flung  around  and  caught  his 
spur  in  Dame  Seymour's  petticoats,  and  he  swore 
beneath  his  breath,  and  Katherine  smiled  at  his 
discomfiture  and  her  own  untutored  grace,  and 


65 

she  made  bold  and  took  a  step  or  two  on  her  own 
dependence.  Then  there  chimed  eight  from  the 
old  French  clock  of  black  boule  that  sat  upon  a 
cabinet  of  tortoise-shell,  and  it  stirred  the  swains 
to  think  of  donning  'broidered  waist-coats  and 
high-heeled  shoon  preparatory  to  the  prandial 
hour,  when  fresh  game  and  old  wine  would 
strengthen  stomach  and  head ;  and  they  bowed 
low  over  tapering  fingers  and  cast  a  parting  dart 
at  female  hearts,  and  climbed  the  great  oaken 
stairway  to  don  their  fine  beaux'  dress. 

'Twas  eleven  o'  the  clock  when  the  gay  com- 
pany again  entered  the  saloon ;  gentlemen  in 
fresh  curled  periwigs  and  marvels  of  laces  and 
'broiderings.  They  were  gay  with  post-prandium 
cheer  and  flushed  with  wine. 

Lord  Cedric  clapped  his  hands  and  immedi- 
ately from  some  curtained  passage  or  gallery 
there  was  music;  each  instrument  seeming  to 
lead  in  contrapuntal  skill.  His  Lordship  led 
forth  Katherine  and  others  followed  in  the  move- 
ment of  the  passacaille.  Mistress  Pen  wick  was 
beneath  a  great  lustre  that  shone  down  and  set 
her  shoulder  knot  ablaze  with  brilliancy,  when 
Lady  Constance  passed  and  noted  it.  She  bit 
her  lip  from  sheer  pain,  for  'twas  Cedric's  moth- 
er's prized  brooch,  and  through  her  heart  fell  a 
thunderbolt  of  fear  ;  for  now  she  knew  he  would 
not  allow  a  baggage  to  wear  a  thing  so  valued 
by  the  mother  whose  memory  he  so  loved.  She 


66  Mistress  Penwick 

began  to  fear  this  beauteous  thing  could  not  be 
ousted  so  easily  from  her  kinsman's  castle  ;  and 
her  heart  rebelled  at  thought  of  losing  him  for 
spouse.  She  raged  within,  reproaching  herself 
for  not  hastening  in  woman's  way  his  avowal ; 
then  she  trembled  and  grew  sick  at  heart,  as  she 
saw  his  glances  that  were  so  full  of  love  ;  glances 
for  which  she  would  give  the  world  to  win. 
She,  on  a  sudden,  was  famishing  for  this  love 
she  had  heretofore  held  aloof  from  and  yet  would 
rather  die  than  loose,  aye,  die  a  thousand  deaths. 
In  her  heart  she  vowed  vengeance  on  that 
'twould  come  between  them,  and  the  thought 
strengthened  her  for  battle,  and  when  again  she 
saw  Cedric's  eyes  gazing  with  ardent  desire  upon 
Katherine,  it  was  with  comparative  calmness. 
There  appeared  also  a  strange  thing  to  her,  that 
this  beauty  did  not  appear  to  notice  Cedric — that 
is,  with  the  notice  due  so  handsome,  rich  and 
titled  beau.  There  was  not  another  in  the  room 
with  so  elegant  and  fine  shape ;  of  so  great  vigour 
and  strength  ;  none  that  could  be  so  shaken  and 
yet  tender  with  passion ;  none  that  could  so  com- 
mand with  a  look  ;  none  that  had  such  pure,  no- 
ble blood.  And  strange  to  say,  for  the  first  time 
she  saw  his  weaker  side ;  she  saw  he  was  both 
jealous  and  selfish ;  she  could  find  a  thousand 
matters  pertaining  to  his  lands  and  estates  that 
she  could  find  fault  with.  He  was  exacting  and 
heartless  with  his  tenants ;  not  providing  for 


Bacchus  and  Bacchantes  67 

their  welfare  as  he  should,  being  so  great  a  lord. 
He  hardly  allowed  them  religious  privileges. 
The  church  was  attached  to  the  castle  by  a  pas- 
sage leading  from  the  landing  of  the  stairway  in 
the  library,  and  he  had  complained  that  the  sing- 
ing and  preaching  annoyed  him,  and  had  fre- 
quently closed  the  chapel  for  this  cause,  and  yet 
a  woman  that  held  sway  over  such  a  man's  heart 
could  mould  him  to  anything.  Why,  why  had 
she  not  married  him  ere  this  ?  She  would  set 
about  it  at  once  and  bring  all  these  matters  con- 
cerning his  estates  to  his  notice ;  'twould  look  so 
noble ;  'twas  time  the  castle  had  a  mistress,  and 
who  would  better  grace  it  than  the  fair  Lady 
Constance  of  Cleed  Hall  ?  And  in  Adrian  Can- 
temir  she  had  an  ally,  for  he  was  madly  and 
desperately  in  love  with  Lord  Cedric's  ward.  "  I 
should  like  her  for  cousin ;  she  would  make 
Adrian  a  fine  wife,  indeed  I  think  I  should  be- 
come quite  proud  of  her,"  said  Constance,  as  if 
the  matter  was  already  quite  settled. 

After  dancing  the  stately  gavotte,  it  appeared 
that  the  whole  company  became  heavy  and 
wished  for  retirement ;  it  might  have  been  a  ruse 
on  the  part  of  beaux,  and  the  fair  ones  fell  into 
the  trap;  be  it  as  it  may,  the  ladies  retired. 
Janet  had  been  waiting  at  the  top  of  the  stairs 
for  her  mistress  ;  but  her  smile  of  welcome  turned 
to  one  of  disgust  as  she  saw  her  appear  with 
Lady  Constance'  arm  about  her. 


68  Mistress  Penwick 

"  Thou  art  commencing  early,  Lady  Judas ;  I 
have  not  preened  my  eyes  for  nothing,  and  this 
I  well  know,  thou  art  hot  in  pursuit  of  my  Lord 
Cedric,  and  thou  shalt  not  have  him.  'Tis  Mis- 
tress Penwick  that  will  queen  it  here  and  make 
a  noble  consort  for  his  Lordship,"  said  Janet. 

"  May  I  come  in  a  minute  ?  Thou  hast  learnt 
I  am  Cedric's  cousin,  and  I  feel  as  though  I  must 
know  thee  at  once  for  his  sake." 

"  Aye,  thou  art  most  welcome,  Lady  Constance," 
replied  Katherine.  And  they  sat  over  the  fire 
laughing  and  chatting.  Katherine  was  all  ex- 
citement and  full  of  clatter,  for  'twas  her  first 
"  company,"  and  she  was  a  young  lady  and  could 
now  boast  of  tender  looks  and  words  from  beaux. 
And  her  volubleness  led  her  to  tell  of  her  con- 
vent life,  of  her  sudden  surprise  and  pleasure  of 
coming  to  England ;  and  on  and  on ;  and  blush- 
ing, she  thought  with  Constance  that  Adrian 
Cantemir  was  indeed  very  charming,  and  having 
become  better  acquainted  with  him,  she  felt 
sure  she  admired  him  quite  as  much,  or  more 
than,  any  one  else ;  and  she  was  so  fond  of  music 
he  fairly  entranced  her  when  he  played. 

"  To-morrow  he  is  to  teach  me  battledore  and 
shuttlecock  in  the  library." 

"'Tis  great  sport  and  a  game  that  requires 
some  skill,"  said  Constance.  And  thus  they 
talked  for  one  good  hour,  and  in  the  adjoining 


69 

room  Janet  fumed  and  fretted  ;  for  'twas  far  past 
her  child's  bedtime. 

"  Such  late  hours  are  not  conducive  to  youth- 
ful roundness  and  a  clear  colour,"  she  grumbled. 
Constance  yawned  and  declared  she  must  retire ; 
but  she  was  thirsty  and  must  have  a  drink,  and 
yet  she  supposed  she  must  do  without,  for  all  the 
maids  and  lackeys  were  abed. 

"  But  the  more  I  think  of  it,  the  more  I  want 
it.  I  will  get  it  myself." 

"  And  I  will  accompany  thee,  for  I  would  like 
not  to  go  alone  in  so  great  a  house,  when  there 
is  no  one  astir,"  said  Katherine. 

They  started  forth  adown  the  stairs  ;  and  fol- 
lowing silent,  noiseless  like  a  wraith  was  Janet, 
expectant,  eager ;  for  she  felt  she  was  to  see  the 
opening  of  a  great  battle.  Constance  led  the 
way,  carrying  a  taper.  As  they  traversed  some 
passage,  their  ears  caught  the  sound  of  music. 
They  listened  a  moment,  then  Constance  pro- 
posed they  snuff  the  candle  and  draw  near  the 
sound ;  "  for  very  like  the  beaux  were  having  an 
orgy,"  she  said.  And  Katherine,  full  of  adven- 
ture and  deeming  it  a  fine,  young  lady's  trick — 
she  had  heard  talk  of  such  things  among  the 
older  girls  at  the  convent — opined  "'twas  the 
thing  to  do."  And  they  followed  the  passage 
until  an  arched  and  curtained  doorway  but 
screened  them  from  that  'twas  within  the  grand 
saloon,  and  Constance  made  bold  to  draw  aside 


T'O  Mistress  Penwick 

a  finger-breadth  of  the  sweeping  curtain  and 
peep  within. 

"  Ah !  ah !  'tis  a  beauteous  sight ! "  and  she 
turned  from  what  she  saw  and  drew  the  curtain 
to  a  generous  opening ;  and  the  two  with  heads 
together  looked  through. 

Every  candle  had  been  snuffed  and  through 
the  great  north  window  came  the  rays  from  the 
light  in  the  forked  tree  that  fell  like  moonlight 
athwart  the  saloon.  In  the  centre  of  the  broad 
gleam  was  a  sylph-like  form,  keeping  time  to  the 
music  in  a  sort  of  phantom  style  of  movement ; 
twisting,  shimmering  folds  that  appeared  to  effuse 
a  scintillation  of  opal  shades.  'Twas  the  cha- 
conne;  slow,  graceful  and  full  of  romance,  the 
full  major  lifting  and  seeming  to  float,  at  last 
dying  imperceptibly  into  the  minor  passacaille. 
About  were  seated,  carelessly  and  after  the 
manner  of  men  who  had  pulled  at  the  bottle  for 
hours  in  the  hunting  field  and  were  now  some- 
what overcome  by  warmth  and  ennui,  beaux  old 
and  young,  'suaging  their  appetite  of  mouth  and 
eye  by  wine  and  women. 

"  'Tis  the  King  sets  the  pace  ! "  said  one,  close 
to  the  curtain. 

"  Egad  !  "  said  another.  "  He  not  only  sets  it, 
but  carries  it  along.  He  has  fine  wenches  at  his 
beck  and  call."  'Twas  evident  'twas  but  the  be- 
ginning of  revelry ;  a  sort  of  bacchanalian  pre- 
lude to  what  might  come  later.  No  sooner  was 


Bacchus  and  Bacchantes  71 

this  dance  finished  than  another  began.  Some 
lithe  creature  came  forth  to  dance,  in  bright 
scarlet,  the  passacaglia.  The  glasses  were  refilled 
and  the  noise  became  more  boisterous ;  and  the 
scandal  more  flagrant.  The  candles  were  set 
aglow  again  and  tables  were  brought  for  those 
wishing  to  gamble.  And  one  richly  dressed  and 
full  of  wine  sprung  upon  a  table  and  held  aloft  a 
glass  and  called  forth : 

"  Here,  here  is  to  his  Lordship  of  Crandlemar 
and  to  a  long  life  of  free  and  easy  celibacy." 
Now  'twas  said  Lord  Cedric  could  drink  more 
without  becoming  undignified  than  any  other 
man  of  his  company,  but  it  seemed  he  gave  him- 
self to  the  spirit  of  the  moment  and  had  drunk 
deep.  When  the  young  blood  upon  the  table 
offered  the  toast,  Cedric  sprung  as  if  shot  to  the 
table,  where  he  staggered  and  would  have  fallen, 
had  it  not  been  for  the  youth  who  bore  him  up. 
Holtcolm,  in  his  drunken  anxiety  for  his  neigh- 
bour's steadiness,  stood  near  him  and  with 
tender,  maudlin  solicitude  began  to  flick  the 
grains  of  bergamot  scented  snuff  from  the  lace 
of  Lord  Cedric's  steenkirk.  At  the  same  time 
from  the  glass  he  held  there  spilled  on  his  Lord- 
ship's brocaded  coat  of  blue  and  silver  a  good 
half-pint  of  wine.  Cedric  upon  being  balanced 
had  forgotten  what  he  wanted  to  say,  and  turned 
to  his  supporter. 

"What    was  it    Holt-colm — I    was   goin'   to 


T2  Mistress  Pen  wick 

shay  ?  "  Neither  could  remember,  so  his  Lordship 
continued  with  what  seemed  to  weigh  upon  his 
mind: 

"  'Tis  thish :  'tis  my  deshire  thish  should  be  made 
a  memorable — a  night  worthy  of  remembrance. 
I'm  about  to  espoushe  my  fair  ward — and  this  is 
positively  my  lasht  appearance  en  bout — I  know 
and  am  fully  aware  abondance  de  Men  ne  nuit 
until  a  better  comes.  To-night  will  be  my  finale 
de-bauch — sho ;  tell  the  red  beauty  to  come 
here."  He  sat  down  upon  the  table  and  gazed 
with  heavy,  drooping  lids  upon  the  dancing  girl 
that  came  toward  him.  "  Thou  art  a  saucy  bag- 
gage; but — hie — thou  art  false  of  colour  and— 
hie — flesh.  Thy  lips  and  cheeks  are  stained  with 
rouge — hie — and  thy  flesh — is — hie — pushed  to 
prominence  by  high  stays — by  God,  it  turns  my 
stomach  to — nausea."  And  he  turned  over  and 
lay  flat  upon  the  table.  "  Bring  on  another — 
shay — we  must  have  the  moonlight  beauty 
again."  Katherine  was  well  frightened  and 
made  several  efforts  to  persuade  her  companion 
to  go  away.  It  was  part  of  Constance'  pro- 
gramme to  cause  Katherine's  disgust  at  sight  of 
Cedric's  wantonness.  She  felt  it  had  been  ac- 
complished, and  as  there  were  other  matters  to 
be  about,  she  turned  with  her  and  together  they 
groped  back  up  the  stairs  in  the  darkness,  and 
found  Janet  feigning  sleep  in  a  chair  before  the 
fire.  Constance  yawned  and  declared  herself  to 


Bacchus  and  Bacchantes  Y3 

be  tired  out,  and  bade  Katherine  adieu.  Janet 
closed  the  door  after  her  and  in  haste  began  put- 
ting her  mistress  to  bed.  And  after  giving  her 
a  bath  and  rubbing,  she  snuffed  the  candles  and 
went  to  her  own  room  to  slip  out  again  and  go 
below  stairs  and  find  the  curtained  doorway, 
there  to  watch  and  wait  for  that  which  was  to 
come.  She  had  seen  as  much  as  Constance  and 
Katherine,  and  she  determined  to  see  even  more. 
She  would  know  how  Lord  Cedric  appeared  in 
his  cups.  There  was  nothing  anomalous  in  what 
was  before  her ;  'twas  as  she  had  often  seen  in 
the  grand  house  in  which  she  had  served  as 
maid ;  the  same  licentiousness,  wild  riot  and  de- 
baucheries that  have  been  since  the  world  stood. 
She  saw  'twas  Cedric  that  drank  as  deep  as  any, 
and  could  rip  out  oaths  as  trippingly  as  his 
swollen  tongue  would  allow  ;  but  he  was  neither 
vulgar  nor  lewd.  Janet  looked  with  pride  at  his 
clear  flushed  face,  so  handsomely  featured ;  his 
jewelled  hands  and  fine  round  legs  that  tapered 
to  slender  ankles.  'T would  be  a  fine  pair  when 
he  espoused  her  mistress,  and  she  would  help  him 
to  it  as  soon  as  he  liked.  Her  heart  went  out  to 
him  the  more  when  she  saw  he  cared  not  for  the 
favours  offered  him  by  the  dancing  wenches  as 
they  touched  his  flowing  black  curls  with  caress- 
ing hands.  He  turned  upon  his  stomach  on  the 
table  and  hid  his  face  in  his  hands  and  remained 
thus  until  the  candles  were  again  snuffed  and  a 


74  Mistress  Penwick 

maid  came  out  into  the  improvised  moonlight  in 
gipsy  dress  and  a  fortune-teller's  cup  and  wand. 
She  wore  a  masque  and  veil  tight  wrapped  about 
her  head.  She  danced  with  less  skill  than  any 
that  had  come  before.  She  lisped  forth  'twas 
her  trade  to  tell  fortunes,  and  thereupon  a  fop 
reached  forth  and  pulled  her  to  him,  and  she  be- 
gan a  startling  story  that  had  somewhat  of  truth 
in  it ;  and  to  each  one  her  assertions  or  predic- 
tions had  so  much  of  truth  in  them  it  provoked 
interest  among  them  all.  Lord  Cedric  called  from 
the  table : 

"  The  wench  tells  ear-splitting  truths ;  send 
her  here,  she  shall  give  my  pasht,  present — and 
future."  If  they  had  not  been  so  blinded  by 
wine,  they  might  have  noticed  her  haste  to  go  to 
his  bidding.  She  looked  closely  at  his  hand  and 
the  sediment  of  his  wine-cup. 

"  Thou  art  madly  and  blindly  in  love ! "  said 
she,  lispingly. 

"  Good !  good  ! "  was  sent  forth  from  those 
about;  and  Cedric  struck  his  fist  upon  the 
table, — 

"<  Madly  '—yes ;  but  by  God  not  'blindly'! 
haste  on,  wench." 

"  She  loves  admiration  — 

"  She  would  not  be  half  a  woman  if  she " 

"  She  is  in  love  with  one  of  Eussian  birth," 
went  on  the  gipsy.  Cedric  frowned  and  held 
quiet.  "  There  is  one  who  hast  loved  thee  from 


Bacchus  and  Bacchantes  Y5 

early  childhood — a — a  kinswoman — she  would 
make  thee  a  noble  spouse  and  love  thee  well 
with  a  warm  nature  to  match  thine  own." 

"Thou  tellest  false,  for  I  know  not  such  an 
one.  I  have  loved  many  kinswomen  since 
childhood,  and  they  have  loved  me,  but  not  to 
espousal ! " 

"  'Tis  here — her  name — 'tis — C-o-n-s " 

"  Constance,  by  God !  but  there  thy  lisping 
tongue  prattles  ill,  for  she  loves  me  as  a  brother, 
and  I  love  her  as  if  she  were  my  sister."  Now 
the  gipsy  drew  back  as  if  the  man  before  her 
had  stricken  her,  then  hastened  to  cover  her 
emotion  with  a  sudden  look  into  the  cup  and  an 
exclamation  of — 

"Ah!  ah!" 

"  What  seest  thou  ?  "  said  Cedric. 

"  A  thing  that  means  more  to  thee  than  aught 
else ;  'tis  an  awful  thing  if  thou  shouldst  choose 
wrong ! " 

"Haste,  wench,  what  is  it?"  Cedric  was 
growing  impatient. 

"Thy  kinswoman  will  bring  thee  a  fine 
heir " 

"By  God,  the  other  will  bring  me  a  dozen 
then ! " 

"Nay,  'tis  not  so,  she —  She  stepped  close 
to  his  ear  and  whispered. 

"Thousand  devils,  thou  infernal,  lying  pot- 
house brawler — "  and  Cedric  glared  fiercely 


76  Mistress  Penwick 

upon  her  and  bent  forward,  his  hand  falling 
upon  his  sword-hilt ;  then  he  grew  red  at  his  hot 
action,  and  looked  about  to  see  if  'twas  noticed. 
"  Get  thee  gone,  thou  saucy,  lisping  minx."  The 
poor  thing  was  well-nigh  distraught  with  fear  of 
this  man  whose  anger  came  like  a  thunderbolt, 
and  she  fell  heavy  upon  the  lackey  who  con- 
ducted her  forth.  She  slipped  through  the  cor- 
ridors like  a  fast  fleeting  shadow,  and  Janet  fol- 
lowed her  close  and  saw  her  enter  a  certain 
chamber  apart  where  she  was  met  by  one  of  the 
dancers ;  and  'twas  Lady  Constance  that  threw 
from  her  the  gipsy  attire  and  put  a  bag  of  gold 
in  the  celebrated  Babbet's  waiting  fingers ;  and 
with  a  warning  pressure  of  finger-on-lip,  she 
came  forth  and  fled  to  her  own  grand  apart- 
ments, and  Janet  watched  until  the  latch  clicked 
upon  this  great  mistress  of  beauty,  title,  wealth 
and  virtue. 


CHAPTER  VI 
JANET'S  PHILOSOPHY 

"Tnis  world  of  ours  hangs  midway  'twixt 
zenith  and  nadir  :  the  superior  and  inferior :  the 
positive  and  negative ;  and  'tis  a  pertinent 
thought  that  susceptible  human  nature  takes 
on  the  characteristic  of  the  one  or  the  other. 
One  is  away  up  in  zenithdom  or  away  down  in 
nadirdom,  one  is  not  content  to  go  along  the  half- 
way place  and  see  the  good  that  lies  ever  before 
them.  But,  again,  there  are  natures  that  are 
not  susceptible  to  extremes  ;  as  a  simile  :  a  maid 
whose  soul  is  ever  vibrant  with  the  ineffable  joys 
of  the  world  to  come,  walks  by  the  seashore  and 
mayhap  beholds  the  full  moon  rise  from  the 
water  and  cast  to  her  very  feet  a  pathway  of 
gold,  and  she  will  quickly  join  herself  to  those 
who  see  like  visions,  and  pathway  will  lie  against 
pathway  and  produce  a  sea  of  gold  ;  on  the  other 
hand,  if  she  be  a  foolish  virgin  and  looks  not  be- 
fore her,  but  tosses  high  head  in  pride  or  walks 
with  downcast  eyes  and  smiles  and  blushes  and 
smirks  and  flings  aside  thoughts  of  deity,  until 
she  becomes  submerged ;  on  a  sudden  Gabriel 
will  blow  and  the  world  will  cease  revolving, 
and  then — where  wilt  thou  be,  oh,  maid  that 

77 


78  Mistress  Penwick 

hath  fluttered  from  sweet  to  sweet  and  forgot- 
ten thy  prayers  ?  "  There  came  a  great  happy 
sigh  from  the  testered  bed  — 

"  Thou  hast  powerful  breath,  Janet,  and  'twas 
an  immense  bitterwort  bush  thou  were  beating 
about.  I  am  sorry  I  forgot  my  prayers.  I  will 
say  them  twenty  times  to-day,  to  make  up." 

"  And  it's  the  heathen  that  repeateth  a  prayer 
oft;  thou  hadst  better  say  'God,  have  mercy 
upon  my  untowardness  ! '  once,  from  thy  heart, 
than  to  say  thy  rosary  from  now  until  doom 
with  thy  mind  upon  a  bumptious  Kussian." 

"  What  is  the  day,  Janet  ?  " 

"  'Tis  as  bleak  and  stormy  as  one  could  wish." 

"  What  is  the  hour  ?  " 

"  Eleven." 

"  Eleven  ?  and  I  was  to  meet  Count  Adrian  at 
this  very  hour.  He  is  to  teach  me  battledore 
and  shuttlecock." 

"  'Tis  a  fussy  game,  played  more  with  the 
heart  than  hand ;  canst  give  it  up ;  let  me  rub 
thee  to  sleep  again  ?  " 

"Nay,  for  I  would  not  disappoint  him  or — 
myself." 

An  hour  later  she  stood  opposite  the  count  in 
the  great  library,  swinging  the  battledore  with 
grace.  There  was  much  soft  laughter  and  gay 
repartee ;  and  Adrian  followed  the  movements 
of  Katherine's  lithe  form,  clad  in  the  soft,  cling- 
ing grey  of  the  convent.  She  became  remiss; 


Janet's  Philosophy  Y9 

for  Adrian's  glances  were  confusing,  and  inten- 
tional laches  were  made  by  him,  that  he  might 
come  near  her,  almost  touching  her  hair  in  bend- 
ing to  recover  the  ball.  She  was  flushed  and 
eager,  triumphant  of  a  fine  return,  when  the 
door  flew  open  and  in  came  a  number  of  gallants, 
among  whom  was  Lord  Cedric.  His  face  flushed 
a  warm  red  and  he  shot  a  glance  of  jealousy  at 
Adrian  as  he  bent  low  over  Katherine's  hand. 
After  a  few  commonplace  remarks,  they  passed 
on  up  the  stairway  to  the  broad  landing,  on 
which  was  an  arched  door  that  led  to  the  passage 
opening  into  the  organ  loft  of  the  chapel.  In  a 
few  moments  there  came  the  sound  of  the  organ. 
Katherine  swung  low  her  battledore  and  breathed 
forth : 

"  Let  us  listen ;  'tis  sweet,  who  plays,  dost 
know  ?  " 

"  "Tis  St.  Mar,  a  fine  fellow  ;  a  soldier,  duelist 
and  gallant." 

"  '  Thou  dost  flank  duelist  by  two  words  that 
should  scorn  being  so  separated  ! ' ' 

"  'Twas  a  happy  wording  ;  for  if  thou  shouldst 
meet  him,  thou  wilt  fall  but  two-thirds  in  love, 
whereas,  if  otherwise  worded  'twould  be  alto- 
gether." 

"  Thou  art  giving  my  heart  an  evil  reputation ; 
for  after  all  'tis  not  so  easy  won." 

"  'Tis  true,  as  I  know,  more  than  any  one  else, 
for  my  heart  misgave  me  from  the  moment  I 


80  Mistress  Penwick 

first  set  eyes  on  thy  beauteous  countenance ;  and 
since  I  have  been  in  wild  despair,  not  knowing  if 
thou  hast  a  heart  for  any  save  thy  nurse  and  my 
Lord  Cedric ;  for  'tis  to  them  thy  heart  seems 
bent."  There  was  neither  shadow  nor  move- 
ment of  fair  expression  on  Mistress  Penwick's 
face,  as  she  answered  calmly, — 

"  Thou  sayest  well.  I  love  my  nurse — she  has 
been  mother  too,  and  I  honour  Lord  Cedric  as  a 
good  man  should  be  honoured,  and  one  whom  my 
father  chose  to  be  his  daughter's  guardian  and 
holder  in  trust  of  her  estates." 

"Estates "  -  'twas  a  grand  word  and  went 
straight  to  Cantemir's  heart;  for  'twas  some- 
thing to  espouse  so  beautiful  a  maiden  that  had 
demesne  as  well. 

Katherine  was  listening  to  the  chords  of  the 
organ,  and  she  bent  forward  eagerly.  Her 
thoughts  flew  back  to  the  convent  where  she 
had  enjoyed  a  pure  religious  life  undisturbed  by 
the  trammels  of  the  great  outer  world. 

"  Let  us  go,"  said  she,  "  I  would  see  who  'tis 
that  plays ! " 

She  led  the  way  up  the  broad  stairs  and 
through  the  passage  into  the  organ  loft,  and  at 
first  sight  of  her  Cedric  was  well-nigh  beside 
himself  with  delight ;  for  he  took  it,  she  had 
come  to  be  with  him.  There  was  a  young  fop 
at  the  organ  in  rich  and  modish  attire,  but  oth- 
erwise of  unattractive  and  common  appearance. 


Janet's  Philosophy  81 

Katherine  cast  upon  him  her  entire  attention, 
and  there  came  that  in  her  face  that  drew  the 
glance  of  every  eye.  'Twas  as  if  she  was  en- 
tranced with  the  player,  as  well  as  the  sounds 
he  brought  forth  from  the  organ.  Cedric  be- 
thought him  'twas  an  unfortunate  oversight  to 
have  learnt  not  to  thrum  upon  some  sort  of 
thing  wherewith  to  draw  the  attention  if  not 
admiration  of  such  a  maid  as  this.  And  he 
straightway  made  avowal  to  send  at  once  for  tutor 
and  instrument ;  a  violin,  when  played  as  he  might 
•learn  to,  would  perhaps  be  as  successful  in  its 
lodestone  requirements  as  any  other  thrumming 
machine.  "  'Twas  an  instrument  could  be  han- 
dled to  such  an  effect.  A  man  could  so  well 
show  white,  jewelled  fingers ;  display  a  rare 
steenkirk  to  pillow  it  upon ;  and  withal,  a  man 
could  stand  free  and  sway  his  body  gracefully 
this  way  and  that ;  yes,  'tis  the  thing  to  do ; 
she  may  yet  look  at  me  as  she  now  looks  at  St. 
Mar ! "  so  thought  Cedric.  The  piece  was  soft 
and  gentle,  with  a  pathetic  motif  running 
through  it.  Katherine  became  so  rapt  she  drew 
closer  and  closer,  until  at  last  she  stood  beside 
St.  Mar.  He  became  confused  and  halted,  and 
finally  left  off  altogether  and  turned  to  read  the 
admiration  in  the  azure  blue  of  her  eyes. 

"  Thou  art  from  France,  and  dost  thou  know 
many  of  the  great  musicians  ?  " 

"Aye,  a  great  many ': 


82  Mistress  Penwick 

"Hast  thou  met  the  great  Alessandro  Scar- 
latti ?  I  understand  he  created  a  furore  as  he 
passed  through  Paris  from  London." 

"  "Tis  true,  and  I  was  most  fortunate  to  hear 
him  play  portions  of  'UOnesta,  nell  Amore.1 
Queen  Christina  herself  accompanied  him  to 
Paris,  and  wherever  he  played  she  was  not  far 
away." 

"We  used  much  of  his  sacred  music  at  the 
convent ;  'tis  such  warm,  tender  and  sympathetic 
harmony.  He  must  be  a  very  great  man ! " 

"  He  hath  a  son,  Domenico,  not  two  years  old, 
who  already  shows  a  great  ear  for  his  father's 
music ;  and  they  say  he  will  even  be  a  greater 
musician  than  his  father.  It  is  possible  Ales- 
sandro will  visit  London." 

"  'Twould  be  wondrous  fine !  I  will  go  and 
hear  him  play,  surely  " — Cedric  interrupted  their 
musical  converse,-— 

"  'Tis  cold  for  thee,  I  fear,  in  this  damp  place ; 
I  beg  thee  to  allow  me  to  lead  thee  to  the  li- 
brary." And  without  further  words  he  led  her 
away,  through  the  library  and  on  beyond  to  the 
saloon,  where  he  begged  her  to  favour  him  with 
songs  he  was  quite  sure  she  could  sing,  naming 
those  he  most  wished  to  hear. 

Then  in  came  Lady  Bettie  Payne  with  three 
or  four  others,  and  they  babbled  and  chattered, 
and  as  Lord  Cedric  stood  near  he  heard  them 
speak  of  Lady  Constance'  indisposition. 


Janet's  Philosophy  83 

"  Ah,  poor  Constance,  I  was  not  aware  she  was 
ill !  "  said  he,  and  he  went  forth  to  inquire  of  her 
condition  and  find  if  aught  could  be  done  for  her 
enlivenraent  to  health  and  spirits.  "When  he  re- 
turned and  saw  Katherine  so  surrounded,  and  his 
guests  engaged  at  cards  and  battledore  and  mu- 
sic, and  some  in  converse  as  to  whether  they 
should  ride  forth  to  the  chase,  he  was  somehow 
stirred  to  think  of  Constance  lying  alone  in  her 
chamber ;  and  there  recurred  to  him  the  tale  of 
the  night  before ;  'twas  she  that  loved  him.  He 
felt  sorry  for  her  if  such  a  thing  \vere  true ;  but 
'twas  not  possible,  and  to  convince  himself  he 
would  go  to  her  and  give  her  the  brotherly  kiss 
as  heretofore,  and  take  notice  if  there  was  aught 
in  her  manner  to  denote  verification  of  the  mis- 
erable gipsy's  story.  He  would  put  an  end  to 
such  feeling,  if  'twere  there.  He  sent  word  if  he 
might  see  her  for  himself,  and  be  assured  her  ill- 
ness was  not  feigned,  in  order  she  might  shirk 
the  duty — like  a  wicked  sister — of  presenting  her 
fair  face  for  the  enlightenment  of  the  gloom  that 
seemed  about  to  penetrate,  from  without,  the  cas- 
tle walls. 

Constance  lay  propped  amongst  pillows,  in  a 
gorgeouspeignoir  of  lace,  arranged  for  the  moment 
to  display  advantageously  her  plump  arms  and  a 
slender  white  neck  encircled  with  pearls.  Her 
brow  was  high  and  narrow ;  her  dark  hair  was 
carefully  arranged  in  wavy  folds  upon  the  pil- 


84  Mistress  Penwick 

low;  her  eyes,  under  drooping  lids,  glittered 
coldly  and  imperiously.  The  nose  was  straight, 
and  too  thin  for  beauty.  Her  lips,  touched  with 
rouge,  were  also  thin  and  full  of  arrogance. 
There  she  lay,  impatient  for  the  love  of  this  one 
man,  who  was  e'en  now  at  the  door. 

When  Constance  was  a  baby,  she  had  watched 
Cedric  upon  his  nurse's  knee  taking  his  pap,  and 
a  little  later  amused  him  with  her  dolls.  She 
had  played  with  him  at  bat  and  ball ;  had  ridden 
astride  behind  him  upon  a  frisking  pony ;  had 
learned  and  used  the  same  oaths  when  none  were 
by  to  note  her  language  but  grooms  and  stable- 
boys — always  when  Angel,  the  head  nurse,  was 
not  about.  She  would  outswear  the  young  lad 
and  then  tease  him  because  he  could  not  find 
words  to  equal  hers.  They  had  played  at  "  Lord 
and  Lady,"  and  rode  about  the  terraces  in  a  min- 
iature sedan  chair,  and  cooks  and  scullions 
winked  and  nodded,  wisely  and  predictively. 
And  when  they  came  to  man's  and  woman's  es- 
tate, Cedric's  regard  for  her  was  as  a  brother's ; 
but  hers  for  him,  alas  !  was  deep  love.  It  seemed 
to  her  as  if  the  world  was  just  beginning ;  a 
bright,  glorious  world  full  of  untold  wealth  of 
love,  when  she  thought  perhaps  she  might  yet 
win  him  for  her  own ;  and  indeed  she  thought, 
as  already  possessing  him.  On  his  part  there 
was  being  born  in  his  heart  a  great  joy  :  that  of 
a  new  and  first  love.  Heretofore  he  and  Con- 


Janet's  Philosophy  85 

stance  had  known  all  things  in  common,  and  now 
suddenly  he  was  satiate  of  her.  But  Katherine, 
he  had  thought,  was  so  young  and  bright  and 
beautiful;  a  child  that  had  lived  within  the 
cloister  and  had  grown  to  maidenhood  in  sweet 
innocence.  'Twas  like  finding  in  some  tropic 
clime,  embowered  and  shaded  by  thick,  waxy 
leaves,  a  glorious,  ripe  pomegranate,  which  he 
would  grasp  and  drink  from  its  rich,  red  pulp,  a 
portion  that  would  cool  and  'suage  a  burning 
thirst ;  while  Constance,  by  the  side  of  Kather- 
ine, was  like  a  russet  apple,  into  whose  heart  the 
worm  of  worldly  knowledge  had  eaten  its  surfeit 
and  taken  all  sweetness  away,  and  the  poor  thing 
hung  low,  all  dried  and  spiritless  upon  a  broken 
bough  to  the  convenience  of  any  passing  hand. 
"  Nay,  nay ;  give  me  only  the  rich,  ripe  pome- 
granate ;  my  Katherine,  Kate !  Kate ! "  and 
blinded  thus  by  the  fever  of  desire  to  possess 
only  his  sweet  Kate,  he  swung  wide  the  door  of 
Constance's  room  and  passed  to  the  bedside  and 
leant  over  and  kissed  her. 

She  flushed  red  as  she  met  his  eyes — now  cold 
and  unimpassioned — looking  into  the  very  depths 
of  her  own.  He  saw  the  sudden  scarlet  that 
mantled  her  face,  and  knew — knew  she  loved 
him.  And  his  heart  went  out  to  her,  for  he  was 
attached  to  the  russet  thing,  an  attachment  here- 
tofore unnamed,  but  now — now  suddenly  chris- 
tened with  that  parsimonious  appellation — pity ; 


86  Mistress  Penwick 

the  object  of  which  is  never  satisfied.  But  he 
had  naught  else  to  give,  for  Katherine  had  sud- 
denly impoverished  him. 

"  'Tis  generous  of  thee,  Cedric,  to  break  from 
thy  gay  company  ;  what  are  they  engaged  in  ?  " 

"  Various, — some  at  cards,  others  at  music— 

"  And  what  was  thy  pastime  that  thou  couldst 
sever  thyself  so  agreeably  ?  " 

"  I  was  listening  to  Bettie,  and  she  on  a  sud- 
den remarked  of  thy  indisposition.  I  straight- 
way came  to  note  thy  ailing.  I  have  talked  not 
with  thee  in  private  since  thy  arrival,  and  there 
is  much  news.  Hast  seen  her,  Constance,  to  talk 
with  her  ?  " 

"Whom  meanest  thou?  There  are  many 
'  hers '  in  the  house ! " 

"  The  beauty  that  flew  to  me  over  seas,  of 
course  ;  whom  else  could  I  mean  ?  " 

"  Oh  !  oh !  to  be  sure ;  the  maid  from  Quebec. 
Aye,  I  talked  with  her  some.  Thou  sayest  she 
is  Sir  John  Penwick's  daughter  ?  " 

"Aye,  and  she's  a  glorious  beauty,  eh,  Con- 
stance ?  " 

"  But  how  earnest  thou  by  her  ?  " 

Cedric  reached  to  that  nearest  his  heart  and 
drew  forth  Sir  John's  letter  and  gave  it  opened 
into  Constance's  hand.  She  read  it  with  blazing 
eyes  and  great  eagerness ;  for  'twas  a  bundle 
of  weapons  she  was  examining  and  would  take 
therefrom  her  choice.  She  flashed  forth  queries 


Janet's  Philosophy  87 

as  to  the  probability  of  this  or  that  with  a  sem- 
blance of  interest  that  disarmed  Cedric  and  made 
him  wonder  if  this  woman  loved  to  such  an  ex- 
tent, she  could  fling  aside  her  own  interests  and 
submerge  all  jealousy,  all  self-love  into  the  purest 
of  all  sacrifices,  abnegation  ? 

"What!  no  estates?  That  looks  ill,  for  at 
one  time  Sir  John  was  affluent,  for  Aunt  Hettie 
has  told  me  of  him  many  a  time." 

"  But  he  lost  it  all,  as  I've  heard  ofttime  from 
father;  he  has  spoken  not  infrequent  of  Sir 
John's  high  living;  he  had  great  demesne,  a 
great  heart  and  great  temper ;  and  'tis  the  last 
named  that  has  fallen  clear  and  uncumbered  to 
his  daughter ;  and  the  heart  will  be  found  by 
careful  probing,  no  doubt ;  and  the  demesne  she 
will  have  when  she  condescends  to  take  me  as 
spouse." 

"Thou,  thou  espouse  her?"  and  Constance 
feigned  surprise,  as  if  'twere  a  new  thing  to  her, 
when  in  reality  she  had  suffered  agony  from  its 
repetition. 

"  Aye,  and  why  not,  pray  ?  Am  I  not  of  ripe 
years  and  know  my  mind  ?  " 

"  And  why  so  ? — because  thou  shouldst  wed 
one  of  high  degree  and  fortune  and  worldly 
wisdom." 

"  Nay,  thou  art  wrong.  'Tis  enough  that  she 
is  of  noble  blood  from  father  and  mother ;  and  I 
have  fortune  for  us  both ;  and  worldly  wisdom — 


88  Mistress  Penwick 

bah !  Constance,  dost  thou  expect  her  to  know 
all  the  intrigues  of  court,  when  she  is  but  lightly 
past  fifteen  ?  " 

"Fifteen? — Now  by  heaven,  Cedric,  thou 
wouldst  not  lie  to  me?" 

"Nay,  Con,  I  would  not — I  have  no  object  in 
this  case,  'tis  a  truth." 

"  Fifteen,  and  indeed  she  is  well-formed  for 
such  youth ! " 

"  And  what  a  beautiful  and  innocent  face  she 
has,  too  ?  " 

"  Beauteous,  admitted  ;  but  innocent  of  what  ?  " 

"  Innocent  of  all  we  know  ;  she  knows  naught 
of  this  great  world.  Janet  keeps  all  evil  from 
her.  We  cannot  conceive  of  such  innocence  in 
any  one.  The  child  has  eaten  the  simplest  things 
all  her  life ;  milk  and  gruel  and  beef -whey ;  'tis 
no  great  wonder  she  is  so  pink  and  strong; 
Janet  says  in  hand-to-hand  battle  in  their  con- 
vent chamber,  the  child  hath  thrown  her  oft  in 
fair  wit  of  strength  ; — such  rough  sport  was  not 
indulged  in  openly  and  Janet  taught  her  thrusts 
and  flings  to  broaden  her  chest  and  strengthen 
hip  and  back ;  she  is  stout  and  strong,  and  yet 
she  makes  one  think  of  a  beautiful  flower  until 
she  falls  in  anger ;  then  she  shows  a  stout  tem- 
per as  well,  and  is  wilful  to  all  save  Janet,  who 
governs  her  by  some  strange  method  I  ne'er  saw 
before ;  for  'tis  odd  to  see  servant  lead  mistress. 
But,  'twas  an  awful  thing  happened  me;  I 


Janet's  Philosophy  89 

knew  not,  or  had  forgotten  rather,  the  arrival  of 
the  babe  Sir  John  speaks  of.  As  thou  knowest, 
I  came  home  unexpectedly,  and  I  found  the  letter 
here.  It  had  arrived  some  time  before,  and  I 
read  it  hastily,  told  Wasson  my  duty  and  passed 
the  letter  to  a  convenient  pocket,  and  thence 
until  the  night  of  the  masque  forgot  all  about 
the  arrival  of  the  infant.  I  was  masqued,  mad 
and  raving  at  Christopher  for  not  mending  my 
bag-pipe,  and  I  rushed  swearing  after  him  and 
Mistress  Penwick  heard  my  oaths,  my  broad 
Scotch  ones  thou  knowest  I  love  to  use  when  in 
anger.  She  hates  me  for  it,  and  I  can  do  naught 
to  win  the  confidence  due  me  as  her  rightful 
guardian.  So  I  have  settled  upon  an  immediate 
espousal " 

"  Immediate  ?  Thou  marry  a  child, — 'tis  un- 
seemly  " 

"  Nay,  'tis  not  unseemly  ;  'tis  the  most  proper 
thing  to  do.  Janet  says  so,  too,  and  will  urge 
her  to  accept  me  as  soon  as  I  wish  to  wed — 
which  shall  be  at  the  earliest  moment." 

"  Janet,  indeed  !  What  right  has  a  servant  to 
forward  the  doings  of  master  and  mistress? 
Thou  hadst  best  wait  and  have  her  Grace  of 
Ells  wold  present  her  at  Court  and  give  the  child 
at  least  one  season  in  London  to  improve  her 
convent  ways." 

"Nay,  Constance,  if  she  were  to  grow  one 
whit  more  beautiful,  'twould  kill  me  dead." 


90  Mistress  Pen  wick 

"  I  am  afraid  thou  art  easily  slain ;  indeed,  I 
never  knew  beauty  was  so  murderous  before. 
Thou  art  surely  beside  thyself ;  she  here  alone  in 
this  great  castle  without  a  mother's  love  to 
guide!  No  one  to  whom  she  can  tell  her 
troubles !  How  must  the  poor  child  feel  to  be 
forced  into  a  marriage  she  most  like — hates  ;  " — 
and  her  ladyship's  voice  took  on  such  a  tone  of 
pity  one  would  think  she  was  about  to  break  into 
tears, — "  'tis  a  barbarous  act  for  thee  to  talk  of 
marriage  so  soon  to  a  helpless  being." 

"  There  is  nothing  helpless  about  Kate,  she  can 
take  her  own  part.  She  hath  wit  and  temper  for 
a  half  dozen." 

"  But  thou  wilt  acknowledge  if  she  will  have 
her  way  she  must  leave  the  castle ;  for  thou  art 
bent  upon  thy  way — thou  wilt  not  listen  to  reason ; 
so,  see  to  it,  and  wed  her  straightway  if — if  thou 
canst."  He  was  about  to  answer  her  with  an 
oath,  when  suddenly  Katherine  stood  in  the  half- 
open  door  smiling  over  the  top  of  a  great  bunch 
of  roses.  On  Constance'  face  was  a  look  of  tri- 
umph, as  she  noted  Cedric's  confusion  ;  but  Kath- 
erine's  words  put  Cedric  at  ease. 

"  I  was  told  thou  wert  ill  and  that  Lord  Cedric 
was  uneasy  and  had  come  to  thee;  and  I  re- 
proached myself  for  not  coming  earlier  to  see  if 
thou  wert  in  need  of  aught."  She  placed  the 
vase  of  roses  on  a  table  close.  Constance  thanked 
her  and  took  the  tapering  fingers  and  hugged 


Janet's  Philosophy  91 

them  between  her  own.  Katherine  looked  down 
upon  her  thin,  arrogant  lips;  and  as  there 
always  comes  to  the  innocent — when  dealing 
with  those  of  other  mould — a  warning,  a  feel- 
ing of  repulsion,  took  possession  of  her  and 
she  withdrew  her  hand,  and,  in  a  moment,  her 
presence. 

"'Tis  a  vision  of  loveliness  more  refreshing 
than  the  nosegay  she  brought,  thinkest  thou  not 
so,  Constance  ?  " 

"  Thou  dost  see  with  lover's  eyes.  How  soon 
wilt  thou  espouse  her;  thy  house  is  somewhat 
taken  up  by  company,  who  are  to  remain  for  the 
summer,  and  how  wilt  thou  get  through  the  irk- 
someness  of  grand  ceremonies  without  great 
preparation,  for  much  will  be  expected  of  thy 
wealth  and  rank  ?  " 

"  Damme,  I'll  have  no  pranks  and  ceremonies 
and  entertainments ;  I  have  not  time.  I  must 
wed  her  at  once.  Canst  thou  not  see,  under  the 
circumstances,  scandal-mongers  will  make  eyes 
and  prate  of  wrong  for  me  thus  to  have  a  young 
maid  here  alone?"  Now  indeed  this  thought 
had  not  occurred  to  Constance  in  just  this  way ; 
bat  now  it  struck  her  with  a  mighty  force,  and 
she  shot  at  him  a  piercing  glance  through  the 
half-closed  imperious  eyes. 

"I  had  thought  of  it,  but  determined  mine 
should  not  be  the  first  breath  to  breathe  forth 
scandal,  even  in  private  converse  with  thee; 


92  Mistress  Penwick 

'twas  an  awful  thing  for  her  to  come  here  know- 
ing of  thy  youth." 

"  But  she  did  not  know,  as  that  letter  and  thou 
thyself  can  testify." 

"  But  the  world — the  Court  where  thou  wilt  go 
to  hold  sway — they  know  not  the  circumstances." 

"Now,  by  God,  Constance,  one  would  think 
thou  wert  an  alien  to  King  Charles'  Court.  If 
Charles  knew  I  had  here  this  maid  and  had  not 
yet  taken  her  to  wife — why — why,  he  would 
take  her  away  himself  and  laugh  me  to  scorn  for 
my  slothfulness.  But  all  London  knows  by  now, 
as  I  have  sent  a  message  to  my  solicitors." 

"  But  if  she  be  set  upon  not  marrying  thee. 
What  wilt  thou  do?"  Lord  Cedric  hung  his 
head,  as  if  in  profound  meditation ;  then,  with- 
out raising  it,  but  remaining  in  a  hopeless  atti- 
tude, said : 

"  I  will  guard  her  from  all  evil.  I  will  stand 
between  her  and  harm  and  wait.  And  thou  must 
help  me,  Constance.  Wilt  thou  persuade  her  ?  " 

"Have  I  not  always  taken  thy  part,  even — 
when  thou  wert  in  the  wrong  ?  " 

When  Cedric  left  Lady  Constance,  he  sought 
Janet  and  poured  into  her  willing  ears  his  woes. 
He  feared  lest  some  gallant  should  win  his  Kate's 
love,  and  Janet  must  tell  him  of  some  way  to 
win  it  for  himself. 

Janet  now  loved  Lord  Cedric  as  if  he  were  al- 
ready Katherine's  lord  ;  and  she,  knowing  'twould 


Janet's  Philosophy  93 

be  one  of  the  best  matches  in  all  England,  vowed 
'twas  best  for  them  to  marry  at  once ;  beside, 
Kate,  being  wilful  and  having  a  tendency  for 
men  of  foreign  birth,  with  nothing  in  their 
favour  but  a  small  share  of  good  looks  and  some 
musical  ability,  might  see  fit  to  plant  her  affec- 
tions with  such,  and  'twas  plain  mischance  would 
kill  Cedric  outright,  for  he  was  passionate  to  self- 
destruction  ;  so  when  he  said :  "  'T  would  be  in- 
stant death  to  me,  Janet.  What  wouldst  thou 
advise  me  to  do — thou  dost  so  fully  understand 
her  ?  "  she  answered  him : 

"  'Tis  somewhat  the  way  with  maidens  to  sigh 
for  that  not  easily  attained,  and  it  might  serve 
thee  to  put  forth  an  indifferent  air  and  incline 
thy  attentions  toward  another  and  act  a  mighty 
-cold  lord  and  coddle  not  her  desires." 

"  That  would  take  so  long  a  time ;  I  cannot 
wait.  I  will  speak  to  her  once  more,  then  I  will 
be  cold  and  indifferent  as  thou  sayest.  "When 
shall  I  have  an  opportunity  to  speak  with  her  ?  " 

"How  soon  dost  expect  the  chests  with  my 
lady's  raiment,  my  lord  ?  " 

"On  the  morrow  they  should  be  here." 

"  'Tis  then  she  will  think  of  thy  goodness,  and 
I  will  put  in  a  word  for  thee,  and  perchance  thou 
wilt  come  to  see  if  all  things  came,  and  'twill 
give  thee  opportunity  to  speak  of  other  things. 
She  is  wanting  many  things  for  the  Chapel ;  she 
wishes  to  reopen  it ;  and  'tis  in  matters  of  re- 


94  Mistress  Penwick 

ligion  thy  hot  tempers  will  clash,  for  Mistress 
Penwick  is  a  Koman  Catholic,  and  thou  art  of 
the  English  Church." 

"  Thou  art  a  wise  Janet !  I  will  turn  the 
people,  and  they  shall  become  Catholics." 

"Nay,  if  thou  dost  undertake  it,  thy  people 
will  rise  in  arms  against  thee." 

"  So  be  it,  let  her  have  her  way.  I'll  bother 
her  not  in  her  simple  ideas  of  religion." 

"  Not  so  simple,  my  lord.  Thou  hast  not  seen 
the  teachings  of  nine  years  take  root  and  spread 
and  grow  as  I  have.  Dost  think  she  would  al- 
low thy  Chaplain  to  bind  thee  to  her  ?  Nay,  she 
will  be  Aved  by  none  but  a  priest.  But  she  is 
kindly  intentioned  and  feels  sorry  for  thy  poor 
Chaplain,  who  hath  so  hard  a  time  to  keep  his 
flock  together.  I  look  any  day  for  her  to  carry 
in  a  cross  and  hang  it  behind  his  pulpit,  then- 
then  he  will  faint  away  from  fright  of  her." 

"  Nay,  Janet,  he  will  fall  down  and  worship 
it,  and — her." 


CHAPTER  VII 

THE   BRANTLE 

MISTRESS  PENWICK  sat  in  her  chamber,  try- 
ing to  calm,  herself  to  reason ;  for  the  chest  had 
come  from  London-town  laden  with  splendid 
raiment ;  all  had  been  unpacked  and  examined, 
and  'twas  enough  to  cure  all  grievances,  the  very 
sight  of  such  adornings;  but  her  ladyship  was 
disappointed  that  there  were  no  stays.  Janet 
for  the  time  was  distraught  and  said : 

"  I  would  that  had  been  sent  that  would  mend 
thy  untowardness  and  bring  thy  temper  to  a 
comelier  mould.  "Tis  past  time  for  thee  to 
clothe  thyself  in  that  in  which  thy  noble  lord 
hath  seen  fit  to  purchase  for  thee ;  I  heard  some 
moments  since  the  arrival  of  the  hunters  and  it's 
time—  There  was  a  sounding  rap  and  'twas 
his  Lordship's  lackey  begging  the  admittance  of 
his  master.  Janet  bade  Lord  Cedric  enter.  He 
came  forth  in  riding-coat  and  field  boots  and 
rattling  spurs.  Mistress  Penwick  vouchsafed  a 
nod  of  recognition  and  turned  her  eyes  away. 
The  hot  blood  mounted  Cedric's  face  and  at  a 
look  at  Janet  understood  all  was  not  well;  he 
essayed  to  speak  with  coolness  : 

95 


96  Mistress  Penwick 

"  Art  not  happy  with  the  contents  of  thy  chest, 
Kate?" 

"  'Tis  more  than  one  could  expect,  but — sadly 
it  lacked  that  I  wished  for  most — a  thing  that 
marks  one  as  lady  and  not  child  in  grown-up 
people's  clothes." 

"  And  what  might  that  be,  Kate  ?  "  for  indeed 
he  had  forgotten  about  her  order  that  stays  be 
sent. 

"  Simple,  modest,  commonplace  stays,  my 
lord,"  and  she  said  it  slowly  and  with  a  mighty 
air. 

"Nay,  nay — stays  they  did  forget?"  and  he 
stamped  his  foot  in  seeming  wrath  and  broke 
forth : — "  I'll  thrash  that  damned  lackey  blue  for 
so  forgetting ! "  and  he  turned  as  if  to  quit  the 
room,  but  Mistress  Penwick  ran  to  stay  his 
hurry. 

"  Nay,  thou  wilt  not  hurt  him,  'twas  not  his 
fault,  'twas  not  by  his  hand  the  order  was  writ." 
And  Cedric  feigned  further  show  of  temper,  and 
Katherine's  tapering  fingers  ventured  upon  either 
lapel  of  his  lordship's  velvet  coat,  and  he  turned 
red  and  white  and  could  hardly  contain  himself 
with  delight.  Janet,  fearing  a  confusion  of  her 
master's  words,  put  forth  her  arms  and  drew 
away  Katherine's  hands  and  said,  softly  : 

"  His  Lordship  will  not  thrash  the  lad,  if  thou 
wilt  don  thy  most  beautiful  frock  and  forget  the 
stays." 


The  Brantle  97 

"  That  will  I,  if  'tis  his  desire ;  and  — "  she 
looked  up  into  his  Lordship's  face  with  a  look 
that  was  almost  tender — "  thou  wilt  say  no  word 
to  the  boy  ?  "  His  voice  was  soft  and  pleading 
as  he  answered : 

"  Anything  thou  wouldst  ask  of  me  thus,  thou 
couldst  have  it  without  the  asking." 

"  Then,  my  lord,  when  there  is  aught  I  would 
have,  I  may  take  it  without  thy  spoken  yea  ?  " 

"  Nay,  not  so ;  that  would  be  highway  rob- 
bery ;  for  thou  wouldst  take  from  me  the  dear- 
est thing  that  has  yet  happened  to  me ;  'tis  thy 
sweet  pleading  for  that  'tis  already  thine." 

"  'Tis  a  generous  thing  for  thee  to  say,  but  if  I 
might  have  perfect  freedom  to  do  all  things  as  I 
desire " 

"And  what  are  the  'all  things'  that  thou 
wouldst  desire  ?  " 

"  I  should  like  to  have  many  changes  made  in 
the  Chapel,  and  bring  one  who  is  well  able  to 
play  on  the  great  organ.  And  'twould  be  a 
wondrous  good  thing  to  bring  from  the  village 
of  Crandlemar  youths  for  the  training  of  a  choir, 
such  as  I  have  heard  are  of  much  repute  among 
the  poor  lads  for  strength  and  sweetness  of  voice ; 
and  after  all  things  are  made  ready,  have  the 
Chapel  opened  again  with  pomp  of  priest  and 
solemn  ceremony." 

"  If  such  are  thy  desires,  I  will  put  forward 
the  work  at  once."  Now  indeed  Katherine  for- 


98  Mistress  Penwick 

got  the  sad  lack  of  stays  and  for  the  moment  for- 
got  all  else  save  that  the  handsome  Cedric  stood 
before  her  flushed  and  eager  to  gratify  her  every 
whim.  He,  one  of  the  richest  noblemen  in  Great 
Britain,  whom  she  could  have  for  a  look;  the 
stretching  out  of  the  hand.  And  she  quite  well 
knew  that  he  was  ready  at  the  first  opportunity 
to  renew  the  subject  of  marriage,  and  for  this 
very  thing  she  turned  from  him  thinking  that 
some  time  she  would  consider  his  proposal.  So 
again  he  went  from  her  presence  with  a  throb- 
bing in  his  breast  that  was  half -hope,  half -despair 
and  knew  not  what  to  do. 

'Twas  the  last  ball  at  Crandlemar  Castle,  for 
the  hunting  season  was  over.  A  goodly  com- 
pany gathered  from  neighbouring  shires,  and 
Mistress  Penwick  was  the  mark  of  all  eyes  in  a 
sweeping  robe  of  fawn  that  shimmered  somewhat 
of  its  brocadings  of  blue  and  pink  and  'broider- 
ings  of  silver.  She  had  decorously  plaited  a 
flounce  of  old  and  rare  lace  and  brought  it  close 
about  her  shoulders  and  twined  her  mother's 
string  of  pearls  about  her  white  throat,  the 
longer  strands  reaching  below  her  waistband  and 
caught  low  again  upon  the  shoulder  with  a  knot 
of  fresh  spring  violets.  Cedric  stood  apart  with 
his  kinsman,  his  Grace  of  Ellswold,  who  enjoyed 
the  freedom  of  speech  of  all  Charles'  Court ;  in- 
deed it  appeared  that  not  only  looseness  of 
tongue  but  morals  also  held  sway  in  the  most  re- 


The  Brantle  99 

mote  as  well  as  the  best  known  portions  of  the 
kingdom.  And  at  his  Grace's  first  sight  of 
Katherine  he  uttered  an  oath  and  some  other  ex- 
pression that  savoured  of  common  hackney ;  for 
Cedric  had  been  telling  him  of  the  soothsayer's 
words. 

"  The  soothsayer  spoke  false  and  I'll  wager 
thee  the  East  Forest  thou  hast  coveted  against 
thy  Welsh  demesne.  I  tell  thee,  Cedric,  a  jewel 
hast  thou  found.  Never  have  I  seen  her  equal. 
And  that  is  John  Pen  wick's  daughter !  "  and  he 
took  a  great  pinch  of  snuff  and  looked  at  Cedric. 
"  She  will  make  thee  a  fine  wife, — but  who  is  the 
man  that  dangles  after  her  now  ?  Indeed,  I 
would  say  thou  hadst  better  watch  out  for  him. 
I  do  not  like  the  look  in  his  eyes ;  he  is " 

"  Egad,  uncle  !  I  would  as  soon  think  of  be- 
ing jealous  of — of  thee.  He  is  Constance'  cousin 
from  Russia,  and  as  she  is  staying  here  for  some 
time,  at  her  request  I  asked  him  also.  Bah !  I 
could  never  imagine  him  as  a  rival !  " 

"  Well,  so  be  it ;  but  how  about  the  wager  of 
the  East  Forest?" 

"  Thou  art  on  the  winning  side.  So  thou 
couldst  not  wager  without  an  opponent,  and 
'twill  be  futile  to  find  one,  lest  thou  dost  charge 
upon  some  landless  bumpkin." 

"  And  how  soon  wilt  thou  espouse  her  ?  " 

"  At  the  first  moment  of  her  consent " 

"  Consent  'tis  thou   art   waiting  for  ?    Thou 


100  Mistress  Penwick 

hadst  better  keep  her  close;  for  if  his  Majesty 
gains  inkling  of  such  fresh,  young  beauty  and 
finds  her  out  of  bans,  'twill  go  hard  with  thee  to 
sword  thy  way  to  a  lady  in  waiting  or — per- 
haps   " 

"'Sdeath,  by  God!  I  had  not  thought  of 
that !  'T  would  be  too  bold  and  out  of  place,  she 
being  under  my  guardianship,  to  press  her  to 
espousal  without  fair  consent ; — but  I  know  best ; 
'twould  be  for  her  own  safety,  is  it  not  so,  uncle  ?  " 

"If  she  knows  naught  of  the  frailties  of  all 
mankind  and  the  Court  in  particular,  I  should 
say  as  thou  art  her  rightful  guardian  and  the 
suitor  chosen  of  her  father,  and  'twas  thy  wish 
for  her  immediate  espousal,  'twould  best  serve 
thee  to  use  all  manner  of  means  to  gain  her  con- 
sent, and  if  this  prove  abortive,  I  would  abduct 
the  maid  and  have  thy  Chaplain  ready  to  marry 
thee  to  her ;  and  after  he  pronounces  thee  man 
and  wife,  what  can  she  do  but  love  thee  straight- 
way for  thy  strong  handling;  'tis  the  way  of 
women.  I  would  marry  such  a  beauty  in  haste, 
ere  another  takes  the  vantage." 

Lord  Cedric  chose  Mistress  Penwick  for  the 
brantle  and  led  her  forth.  They  moved  with 
such  majestic  grace,  they  attracted  all  eyes.  It 
seemed  Cedric  could  not  contain  himself  for  love 
of  Kate,  and  he  vowed  to  gain  her  ear  this  very 
night  and  know  for  a  certainty  if  she  would  ever 
marry  with  him. 


The  Brantle  101 

It  pleased  Mistress  Penwick  to  dance  with 
Cedric,  for  she  was  more  at  ease  with  him  than 
any  other,  and  she  was  hardly  pleased  when  he 
bade  her  rest  and  took  her  to  another  room, 
where  they  were  quite  alone.  But  she  would  not 
sit  down,  and  stood  fanning  and  smiling  up  into 
his  face,  saying  half  pettishly : 

"  Thou  art  soon  tired ;  the  bran  tie  has  just 
begun." 

"  Kate,  hast  thou  patience  ?  " 

"Aye,  but  'tis  of  dwarfish  mould." 

"  Kate,  dost  love  any  human  being  ?  " 

"  Aye,  'tis  a  poor  thing  that  loves  not." 

"  Dost  love  me,  Kate  ?  " 

"As  a  father  or  brother  and  as  one  should 
love  her  father's  best  friend." 

"  Then — give  me  a — kiss  as  thou  wouldst  give 
thy  brother."  The  hot  blood  suffused  her  face. 
At  sight  of  it,  Cedric's  heart  leapt  with  a  mighty 
gladness. 

"  Not  having  had  a  brother,  I  know  not  how 
to  give  that  thou  askest ; — and  'tis  unseemly  of 
thee  to  ask  for  that  that  makes  one  blush  for 
very  shame  to  be  questioned  of." 

"Blushes  are  not  always  for  shame — 'tis  for 
love,  sometimes.  Kate,  'tis  time  I  knew  thy 
heart,  for  thou  knowest  I  am  about  to  die  for 
love  of  thee.  Dost  not  understand  that  thy 
father  wished  thee  to  marry  at  an  early  age  and 


102  Mistress  Penwick 

to  marry  the  son  of  his  bosom  friend  to  whom 
he  gave  his  daughter's  keeping  ?  " 

"  Nay,  he  said  naught  of  my  marriage  with 
thee,  as  he  knew  not  thou  wert  in  existence." 

"  Aye,  of  a  truth  he  hath  done  so ;  it  is  here 
next  my  heart,"  and  he  drew  forth  Sir  John's 
letter.  "  Wilt  read  but  the  lines  I  show  thee ; 
for  there  are  secrets  belonging  to  thy  father  and 
me  alone  ?  "  He  marked  the  lines  with  his  jew- 
elled finger,  his  love  locks  falling  against  her 
cheek  as  she  read :  "  My  last  wish  and  the  one  of 
greatest  import  to  my  child  is  that  thou  find  for 
her  a  spouse  of  rank  and  fortune.  'Tis  my  desire 
she  marry  early  to  such  an  one. — Ah  !  Cedric,  if 
thou  had  hadst  a  son,  their  union  would  have 
been  our  delight  — 

"  Ah !  ah ! "  and  Katherine's  eyes  grew  wide. 
"  Thou  hast  said  naught  of  this — as  it  appears 
here  before  me  now ;  and  it  might  have  been  too 
late." 

"  Too  late !    What  meanest  thou  ?  " 

"  The  noble — nay,  now  I  cannot  tell  thee,  for 
'tis  a  secret  but  half  mine." 

"  My  God !  who  dares  have  secrets  with  thee 
save  thy  nurse  and  guardian ;  whose  damned 
heart  hath  played  the  lover  to  thee  ? "  His 
hand  fell  upon  his  sword  and  he  drew  it  half 
way.  "What  guest  hath  so  dishonoured  name 
as  to  make  profit  of  that  I  have  already  made 
known  as  my  espoused  ?  Tell  me,  Kate ! "  See- 


The  Brantle  103 

ing  her  frightened  eyes,  that  were  justly  so,  he 
pushed  back  the  jewelled  hilt  and  threw  his  arm 
about  her  and  drew  her  close,  so  close  she  was 
well-nigh  crushed  by  his  warm  and  passionate 
embrace  and  choked  by  pulverulent  civet  as  her 
face  was  pressed  against  the  folds  of  his  steen- 
kirk.  She  felt  the  tumultuous  beating  of  his 
heart,  and  'twas  a  great,  new  feeling  came  to  her 
and  she  trembled  and  swayed,  and  loved  and 
hated  both,  in  one  brief  moment  and  drew  from 
him  and  looked  with  angry  eyes.  "  Kate,  Kate, 
what  saidst  the  false  lover ;  tell  me  every  word. 
Did  he  ask  thee  for  espousal  ?  "  Now  Mistress 
Penwick  faltered  and  flushed,  for  she  dare  not 
tell  him  who  her  suitor  was  and  thought  if  she 
told  him  well  what  was  said,  he  would  not  press 
her  for  name,  and  'twas  meet  she  should  tell  him 
truthfully.  She  feared  his  hot  temper  not  a  lit- 
tle, for  she  had  heard  that  one  time  he  locked 
Lady  Constance  in  the  tower  for  two  whole  days 
for  telling  him  a  falsehood. 

"Aye,  he  asked  me  to  espouse  him." 

"  And  what  didst  thou  say  ?  " 

"  I  said  him  nay,  'twas  too  soon  to  wed, 
'twould  be  wiser  to  speak  a  year  hence." 

"  And  what  answer  did  he  make  thee  ?  " 

"  He  said  the  king's  sister,  Princess  Mary, 
when  but  ten  married  William,  Prince  of  Orange, 
and " 

"And  what?"  said  Cedric,  leaning  forward 


104  Mistress  Pen  wick 

his  hand  upon  his  sword,  a  curse  between  his 
white  teeth  and  a  line  of  light  from  between  his 
half-closed  lids  like  the  flashing  of  a  two-edged 
sword.  "What — 'sdeath?"  And  Kate  trem- 
bled forth  — 

"  And  fifteen  was  none  too  soon  to  wed." 

"And  did  he  say  naught  else  appertaining 
thereto  ?  " 

"  Nay,  I  know  naught  else  he  could  say ! "  and 
the  innocence  of  her  inquiring  face  proved  his 
evil  imagining  a  perjury.  He  caught  his  breath 
in  a  flutter  of  sheer  heart's-ease. 

"  Now  who  is  this  swain  who  hath  taken  ad- 
vantage of  my  invitation  and  come  up  from 
among  the  rustics  yonder  to  make  love  to  thee  ? 
I  will  run  him  through  the  first  time  I  meet  his 
insolence.  Who  is  he,  Kate  ;  what's  his  name  ?  " 
She  vouchsafing  no  answer,  aroused  his  suspicion. 

"  'Sdeath  !  what  ails  thy  tongue  ?  Haste  thee, 
what  is  his  name?"  and  he  glared  at  her,  fu- 
riously, 'til  she  was  well  nigh  cold  with  fright. 

"  Sooth,  thou  art  strong  with  temper  for  the 
very  meagre  cause  a  maiden  will  not  bewray  a 
poor  man's  name." 

"  Poor,  indeed,  when  such  as  thou  bestoweth 
upon  him  the  priceless  gift  of  thy  heart  as  a 
locker  for  his  secrets ;  by  God !  give  his  name, 
quick,  ere  I  slay  a  dozen  for  one  paltry  fool  that 
would  rob  me ! "  She  read  aright  the  steely 
light  'neath  his  half-closed  lids  and  was  dis- 


The  Brantle  105 

traught,  for  she  dared  not  give  him  the  name  of 
one  of  his  guests ;  for  the  noble  Russian  Adrian 
Cantemir  had  pressed  his  suit  and  was  upheld  by 
Lady  Constance,  who  told  him  of  Katherine's 
vast  demesne,  knowing  well  he  could  not  marry 
one  without  estates,  as  his  were  in  great  deple- 
tion. And  the  noble  Cantemir  had  well  nigh 
won  her  heart  by  his  voice  and  music,  and  now 
that  he  was  in  danger  of  Lord  Cedric's  anger,  he 
became  an  object  of  commiseration,  and  not  for 
her  life  would  she  give  his  name  to  this  raging 
man  with  murder  in  his  heart. 

"  Nay,  nay,  my  lord ;  give  me  grace.  I  have 
told  thee  truly  all  else,  and  now  I  beg " 

"  Dost  thou  say  thou  wilt  not  give  his  name  ? 
Then,  by  God,  I  will  cut  my  way  to  his  black 
heart ! "  He  drew  his  sword  and  strode  forth 
to  slash  the  curtain  that  barred  his  way,  and 
Katherine  caught  his  upstretched  arm  and  fell 
upon  her  knees,  bursting  into  tears.  At  sight  of 
tears  and  touch  of  fingers  he  dropped  his  sword 
and  raised  her  quickly,  saying : 

"  J^ay,  nay,  not  tears.  Dry  them,  Sweet,  they 
wring  my  heart  to  greater  pain  than  all  thy 
secrets,  and  for  this  one  thou  boldest  I  will  take 
thy  shoulder-knot  instead."  She  looked  up  sur- 
prised at  the  sudden  surcease  of  storm,  and  see- 
ing his  handsome  face  becalmed,  she  wondered 
at  the  magic  that  had  caused  it,  and  her  heart 
smote  her  for  withholding  aught  from  one  that 


106  Mistress  Penwick 

loved  her  so.  She  hastily  drew  from  her  shoul- 
der the  knot  of  violets  that  were  still  humid 
with  freshness ;  and  as  she  drew  the  fastenings 
the  lace  fell  from  her  shoulder,  disclosing  her 
too-low  cut  bodice,  and  Cedric's  quick  eye  saw 
why  the  screen  of  lace  was  used,  and  with  trem- 
bling fingers  caught  up  the  lace  and  drew  from 
his  steenkirk  a  rare  jewel  and  pinned  it  safe  as 
deftly  as  her  maid.  He  touched  her  hand  with 
his  warm  red  lips,  saying  in  a  voice  resonant  as 
music:  "God  bless  thee,  Kate,  for  thy  sweet 
modesty  !  "  He  thought  if  the  modish  beauties 
in  yonder  rooms  could  boast  of  such  perfect 
charm,  'twould  not  be  hid  by  a  fall  of  lace  and  a 
shoulder  knot  of  violets.  And  he  pressed  the 
nosegay  to  his  heart  and  left  them  there,  folded 
within  her  father's  letter.  A  calmness  settled 
upon  him,  such  as  had  not  come  to  him  hereto- 
fore, and  trembling  with  happiness  he  led 
Katherine  forth  in  the  brantle  ;  she  feeling  quite 
like  an  heroine  for  being  able  to  hold  her  secret 
from  this  passionate  man. 

For  all  the  convent  had  environed  Mistress 
Penwick  with  sacred  influences,  and  she  had  ab- 
sorbed its  most  potent  authority,  religion,  yet 
even  that  was  not  efficacious  to  the  annihilating 
that  'twas  born  within  ;  and  one  can  but  excuse 
the  caprice  and  wantonness  of  a  coquette,  when 
'tis  an  inheritance.  She  adhered  pertinaciously 
t-o  the  requirements  of  a  lady  of  title,  and  loved 


The  Brantle  107 

opulence  and  luxury  and  admiration.  She  fore- 
saw— young  as  she  was  and  reared  as  she  had 
been  with  all  simpleness — an  opportunity,  being 
a  noblewoman  and  the  ward  of  a  wealthy  titled 
gentleman,  to  become  a  favourite  at  Court.  This 
idea,  however,  was  not  altogether  original ;  for 
Lady  Constance  had  given  her  a  graphic  descrip- 
tion of  her  presentation,  and  the  requirements 
due  to  all  ladies  of  note.  And  while  Katherine 
fully  intended  to  carry  out  her  father's  wishes  for 
an  early  and  noble  marriage ;  yet  she  felt  there 
was  no  haste ;  she  was  sure  it  would  be  his  desire 
for  her  to  enjoy  one  of  those  seasons  at  Court  she 
had  heard  so  much  converse  of.  'Tis  not  much 
wonder,  having  been  so  short  a  time  in  the  great 
world  and  having  Avon  the  hearts  of  two  noble- 
men, she  should  wish  for  fresh  fields  to  conquer. 
But  now  was  not  the  time  for  a  trip  to  London, 
for  spring  was  upon  them  and  there  was  much  to 
look  after  in  Crandlemar.  His  Lordship  had  sadly 
neglected  his  duties  in  keeping  up  the  village  and 
looking  after  the  poor.  The  church  must  be 
built  up.  It  had  not  occurred  to  her  that  there 
were  other  religions  beside  the  Catholic;  and 
when  Lord  Cedric's  chaplain  made  known  to  her 
the  difficulties  of  arranging  Catholic  orders  in  a 
Protestant  Church,  she  could  not  understand. 
Janet  explained  to  her  what  she  would  be  com- 
pelled to  surmount  to  bring  her  religion  to  be 
the  accepted  one  in  Crandlemar.  Again  her 


108  Mistress  Penwick 

mind  was  turned  to  Count  Adrian,  and  she 
thought  'twould  be  well  to  wed  with  one  of  her 
own  faith,  and  he  was  as  warm  a  Catholic  as 
herself.  Cedric  was  a  Protestant  and  a  very 
poor  one,  indeed  it  seemed  he  had  no  religion. 
And  yet  he  had  told  her  that  he  petitioned  not  to 
God  for  aught;  but  'twas  his  diurnal  duty  to 
thank  Him  for  His  benevolence  and  chastening ; 
ever  deeming  chastisement  the  surety  of  his  alien 
thought  or  action,  and  he  speedily  mended  his 
ways  or  made  an  effort  to ;  but  what  great  sin 
he  had  committed  that  her  love  should  not  be 
given  him  was  more  than  he  could  tell,  and  he 
should  keep  on  trying  to  find  out  what  his  faults 
were,  that  he  might  receive  that  he  wished  for 
most.  He  wrangled  not  of  religion,  but  ever 
kept  the  divine  spark  in  his  own  heart  alive,  if 
not  fanned  to  flame.  Indeed  so  indifferent  was 
his  Lordship  to  the  great  questions  of  the  times, 
he  thought  not  of  the  ancient  monastery  in  the 
depths  of  the  vast  forest  upon  his  estate,  where 
still  resided  recluses.  'Twas  seldom  he  thought 
of  these  simple  monks.  They  lived  in  seeming 
quiet,  enjoying  the  freehold  of  their  castle.  But 
there  was  a  storm  brewing,  and  in  its  midst  his 
Lordship  was  to  be  severely  reminded  of  their 
presence. 


CHAPTEK  VIII 

THE  ANCIENT  MONASTERY 

LORD  CEDRIC'S  guests  all  departed  after  the 
Saxon  dance,  save  their  Graces  of  Ellswold,  Lady 
Constance,  Lady  Bettie  Payne  and  Count  Cante- 
mir.  And  with  their  exit  spring  seemed  to 
burst  forth  in  sward,  bourgeon  and  bud,  and  the 
clinging  tendrils  upon  the  castle  walls  grew 
heavy  and  pink  with  their  greedy  absorption  of 
carbon  dioxide  from  the  warm  atmosphere.  It 
seemed  the  unfolding  of  nature  brought  ten 
times  more  pain  and  uneasiness  and  mad  love  to 
Lord  Cedric's  heart.  He  had  not  yet  learned 
who  had  been  talking  to  Katherine  of  love. 
Janet  had  mentioned  Adrian  Cantemir ;  he  had 
laughed  at  her.  Constance  had  pointed  to  Lord 
Droylsden,  a  man  of  distinction  and  strong  per- 
sonality, whose  estates  joined  his  own.  This  ap- 
peared more  plausible  than  the  suit  of  Cantemir, 
and  his  Lordship  watched  Katherine  when  she 
was  with  these  two  and  soon  found,  so  he 
thought,  it  was  for  the  latter  she  cared ;  indeed 
'twas  hard  for  him  to  follow  the  trend  of  her 
vacillating  mind. 

'Twas  a  glorious,  warm  spring  morning.  Mis- 
tress Penwick  had  ridden  forth,  attended  by  a 

109 


110  Mistress  Pen  wick 

groom,  to  the  village.  She  spent  the  entire 
morning  in  visiting  the  poor  and  sick  and  did 
not  fail  to  note  the  dilapidated  state  of  the  cot- 
tages. She  rode  home  flushed  and  eager  with 
plans.  She  made  known  to  Lord  Cedric  her  de- 
sires to  build  up  these  poor  cottages.  "Without 
question  he  doubled  the  amount  of  money  she 
asked  for,  and  paid  her  a  large  sum  for  immedi- 
ate use  among  the  poor.  Katherine's  heart  was 
touched  by  his  goodness  to  her,  and  spoke  with 
more  warmth  than  'twas  her  wont  and  opined 
'twould  be  a  glorious  afternoon  for  their  ride  in 
the  forest !  He  had  kept  his  eyes  steadily  from 
her ;  for  'twas  his  mood  to  play  the  disinterested 
and  unconcerned ;  but  at  this  innovation  on  her 
part  he  raised  his  eyes  and  spoke  indifferently  : 

"  Aye,  if  this  weather  continues,  we  will  have 
roses  in  a  fortnight." 

"  Speaking  of  roses  reminds  me ;  as  I  started 
forth  this  morning  I  saw  a  gardener  upon  the 
upper  terrace  trimming  about  some  bushes  of 
wonderful  grace  and  beauty,  and  as  I  stepped 
among  them  I  saw  an  ancient  sundial ;  'tis  the 
first  I've  yet  seen,  and  I  made  bold  to  ask  him  to 
plant  some  rare  rose  near  it,  that  its  leaves  and 
blossoms  might  enfold  its  cold  marble  whiteness 
and  warm  it  to  greater  beauty." 

"  And  didst  not  thou  suggest  some  choice  ?  " 

"  Nay ;  just  so  'twas  healthy  and  prolific  of 
bloom." 


The  Ancient  Monastery  111 

"  Then  as  thou  hast  named  a  rose,  I  will  name 
its  kind!" 

He  smiled  significantly,  and  the  hot  blood 
flushed  his  cheek.  She  came  a  step  nearer  and 
bent  toward  the  table  before  him,  her  riding 
dress  wrapping  her  perfect  mould. 

"  One  thing  more  I  would  ask  thee ;  'tis  that  I 
might  have  a  bolder  steed,  the  one  thou  gavest 
me  is  not  near  spiritful  enough  for  one  who 
wishes  to  ride  well  and  gayly.  I  would  have 
one  that  shakes  his  head  and  rattles  his  bit  and 
stamps  about  uneasily."  This  was  more  than 
his  Lordship  could  stand,  and  he  broke  forth  in  a 
mirthful  laugh, — 

"  Thou  shalt  have  the  most  buoyant  palfrey 
can  be  found  ;  he  shall  have  a  wicked  black  eye, 
and — an  honest  heart  for  his  mistress."  Cedric 
arose  and  bent  gracefully  to  the  fingers  of  Kath- 
erine  as  she  held  them  out  to  him,  then  turned 
quickly  to  the  fire  and  crushed  a  half-famished 
ember  beneath  his  heel  as  he  heard  her  cross  the 
threshold.  A  moment  after  he  strode  out  upon 
the  upper  terrace  to  the  gardener,  who  stood 
with  bared  head  as  his  Lordship  gave  command 
to  plant  by  the  dial  a  bridal  rose. 

The  afternoon  was  glorious  with  the  scent  of  a 
million  shooting  sprouts,  and  delicate  with  the 
perfume  of  violets.  But  the  sunshine  of  the  day 
was  not  to  stay,  for  the  party  from  the  castle 
were  scarce  three  miles  within  the  confines  of 


112  Mistress  Pen  wick 

the  forest  when  the  sun  became  overcast.  But 
they  rode  on,  however,  taking  delight  in  the  fine 
air,  and  caring  naught  of  cloud  and  threatening 
weather. 

They  soon  came  to  intricate  windings  of 
the  forest  path,  where  two  might  not  ride  side 
by  side,  and  as  the  Duke  of  Ellswold  rode  in  be- 
hind his  wife,  he  suddenly  reeled  and  would 
have  fallen  had  it  not  been  for  his  groom.  They 
all  turned  quickly  save  Mistress  Penwick  and 
Adrian,  who  had  made  the  sharp  turn  and  were 
galloping  forward.  Cedric  bade  a  lackey  ride 
with  all  speed  to  the  castle  for  a  coach  ;  and  as 
the  anxious  group  waited,  they  wondered  some- 
what that  Katherine  and  Cantemir  did  not  re- 
turn. And  Cedric's  heart,  while  well-nigh  taken 
up  by  his  uncle's  state,  had  still  room  for  jeal- 
ousy, and  he  grew  hot  with  anger  that  for  once 
he  kept  hid  under  the  semblance  of  anxiety. 

His  Grace  was  tenderly  lifted  and  taken  to  the 
conveyance  that  waited  upon  the  broader  road 
some  distance  away.  The  little  caravan  moved 
slowly,  and  before  it  reached  the  castle  the  wind 
began  to  blow  furiously,  bringing  heavy  showers. 

The  physician  from  Crandlemar  had  been  sum- 
moned, and  after  a  hurried  examination  gave 
them  encouragement,  saying  that  the  duke  had 
probably  been  riding  too  fast  and  his  condition 
was  not  dangerous. 

A  courier  had  been  despatched  for  his  Grace's 


The  Ancient  Monastery  113 

physicians  and  all  things  done  for  his  comfort ; 
and  Cedric  for  the  time  relieved  from  the  anxiety 
of  actual  and  impending  danger  concerning  his 
kinsman,  now  felt  the  full  force  of  his  disap- 
pointment in  Mistress  Penwick's  absence  with 
Cantemir.  He  determined  to  ride  forth  in  quest ; 
and  with  a  groom  laden  with  all  sorts  of  cloaks 
for  her  protection  from  the  storm,  that  now 
raged  furiously,  started,  feeling  naught  but  the 
pain  at  his  heart. 

The  Catholics  and  Protestants  being  at  vari- 
ance throughout  the  kingdom,  and  there  were 
passing  constantly  under  cover  of  forests  and  un- 
frequented highways  groups  of  riotous  men  of 
both  parties  ;  for  the  life  of  him  Cedric  could  not 
tell  with  which  party  he  would  rather  his  Kath- 
erine  would  come  in  contact — she  unattended 
save  by  a  modish  fop. 

After  reaching  the  depths  of  the  forest,  'twas 
no  easy  matter  to  find  the  exact  paths  they  had 
traversed  in  the  afternoon.  The  groom  carried 
a  lantern,  but  'twas  Lord  Cedric's  order  not  to 
light  it.  There  were  shooting  lodges  and  forest- 
er's cabins,  other  abodes  there  were  none  save 
the  old  monastery,  and  to  which  of  these  places 
to  go  was  left  altogether  to  the  toss  of  a  penny. 
Beside,  they  were  not  sure  of  finding  a  shooting 
lodge,  should  they  start  for  it ;  the  night  was  so 
black  and  the  paths  so  numerous  and  winding. 
Very  often  Cedric  would  stop  and  listen  for  the 


114  Mistress  Pen  wick 

tramp  of  horses'  feet ;  but  there  was  naught  save 
the  occasional  cracking  of  twigs  as  some  wild 
thing  jumped  from  the  roadside  frightened,  or 
the  stir  of  the  high  wind  in  the  giant  trees.  On 
they  rode,  and  Cedric's  heart  was  first  sorry  for 
his  kinsman's  ills,  then — he  would  rant  because 
Katherine  had  taken  no  notice  of  his  importuni- 
ties, and  he  swore  under  his  breath  in  good, 
round  Scotch  oaths  for  his  allowing  her  to  go 
thus  long  without  espousal ;  and  again  he  looked 
at  the  matter  dispassionately.  She  was  a  very 
young  maid,  without  the  protection  of  woman- 
kind of  her  own  rank  or  an  aged  guardian.  Then 
began  to  find  fault,  and  on  a  sudden  saw  she 
loved  admiration,  and  this  sin  became  unpardon- 
able and  he  became  so  wrought  upon,  he  swore  he 
would  lock  her  in  the  tower  until  she  consented 
to  their  espousal.  Then  he  thought  of  Janet's 
words  as  he  left  her  but  a  short  time  before : 
"  I  would  vouch  for  her  innocence  with  my  life  ! 
Be  not  harsh  with  her,  my  lord ! "  and  he 
ground  his  teeth  in  rage  for  his  espionage  of  her. 
Then  he  thought  of  the  king  and  what  if  she 
came  under  his  eye, — "Ah,  'sdeath!  'twould 
make  me  mad ! "  and  he  laid  spur  to  his  horse 
and  galloped  on  with  hot  curses  in  his  throat. 

How  long  or  how  far  they  had  ridden  'twas 
impossible  to  tell,  until  suddenly  they  saw  a  light 
and  at  once  Lord  Cedric  knew  they  were  at  the 
monastery.  He  halted  instantly  and  dismounted. 


The  Ancient  Monastery  115 

Throwing  the  reins  to  the  groom,  he  crept  cau- 
tiously forward  alone.  To  his  astonishment  he 
beheld  a  great  number  of  horses  about  the  en- 
closure, and  he  became  still  more  cautious.  "  'Tis 
a  Catholic  rendezvous,  by  God  !  "  said  he. 

He  followed  close  to  the  wall,  and  was  about 
to  reach  the  window  when  the  door  was  thrown 
wide  open  and  a  group  of  three  stood  upon  the 
threshold.  Two  of  them,  Cedric  saw,  as  the 
light  from  within  fell  upon  their  faces,  were 
noted  leaders  of  the  Catholic  party,  the  other 
was  a  monk,  and  'twas  he  that  was  speaking. 
His  voice  was  low  and  intense  : 

"  If  his  Majesty  has  but  one  glimpse,  he  will 
pitch  the  Castlemaine  overboard.  This  one  is  a 
religionist  of  no  common  order  and  will  do  much 
for  the  cause  ;  and  when  she  has  done  this  thing, 
I  shall  do  all  I  can  to  withdraw  her  from  further 
communication  with  Charles.  She  shall  not  be- 
come one  of  his  household,  she  is  too  good  for 
that." 

"  'Twas  rare  luck  that  brought  her  to  thine 
abode  this  afternoon,  for  our  case  was  well-nigh 
hopeless,  and  soon  it  would  have  been  too  late, 
for  once  Sir  John  gets  to  this  country — sh ! 
Didst  hear  something  stir  hereabout  ?  " 

"  Nay,  'twas  naught  but  the  wind ;  but  when 
thou  dost  speak  of  Pen  wick,  thou  hadst  better 
whisper." 

"  'Twas  a  pity  we  came  not  earlier  according 


116  Mistress  Pen  wick 

to  agreement,  and  we  should  have  feasted  our 
eyes  upon  the  beauty." 

"  If  thou  hadst  been  one-half  hour  sooner,  thou 
wouldst  have  seen  her  with  the  gay  youth  that 
will  give  her  little  peace  'til  she  doth  say  the 
word.  I  tell  thee  both,  the  Virgin  Mary  doth 
plead  our  cause,  and  no  doubt  'twas  through  her 
agency  the  rain  came  upon  the  maid  and  drove 
her  here.  "We  oifered  special  prayer  to  Holy 
Mary  this  morning.  And  the  youth  with  her  is 
also  of  the  only  religion.  Mistress  Penwick  was 
greatly  frightened  of  my  Lord  Cedric ;  for  she 
would  go  forth  in  the  heart  of  the  storm,  fearing 
a  longer  stay  would  bring  uneasiness  to  the  cas- 
tle; so  I  gave  her  protection,  a  guide  and  a 
promise  to  receive  her  in  a  few  days  for  the  con- 
fessional and  some  religious  direction ;  and  I  feel 
sure  she  will  visit  me  within  the  week." 

"  'Tis  an  easy  way  to  reach  the  king's  heart ; 
he  doth  so  love  a  pretty  face  and  fine  parts ;  and 
we  may  be  able  to  use  the  youth  as  well — eh  ?  " 
They  said  a  good-night  and  passed  on  to  their 
steeds,  mounting  and  riding  away. 

The  monk  returned  to  those  within,  and  Cedric 
hurried  away,  anxious  only  to  see  Katherine 
once  more, — to  behold  her  once  again  with  his 
own  eyes  and  never,  never  again  would  he  allow 
her  to  leave  him.  He  would  not  be  turned  aside 
again  from  his  purpose,  she  must  come  to  his 
terms  at  once.  Then  he  fretted  and  fumed,  fear- 


The  Ancient  Monastery  117 

ing  she  had  fallen  under  the  stormy  blast  and 
had  taken  cold,  and  perhaps  would  have  a  fever. 
Then  he  grew  hot  and  angry  with  her  for  riding 
so  fast  and  beyond  ear-shot  of  the  company. 
And  jealousy  and  all  evil  passions  took  possession 
of  him. 

Meanwhile  Mistress  Penwick  had  arrived  at 
the  castle,  and  was  grieved  when  she  heard  of 
his  Grace's  condition,  and  sorry  she  had  ridden 
ahead  and  was  so  late  getting  home. 

Janet  had  hurried  her  to  her  chamber  and  dis- 
robed her  of  wet  garments,  and  bathed  her  in 
hot  and  cold  baths,  and  was  rubbing  her  with 
perfumed  olive  oil  when  Lord  Cedric  arrived. 

He  went  to  his  uncle's  bedside,  and  finding  him 
resting,  quietly  hastened  to  his  own  apartments 
and  sent  to  inquire  of  Mistress  Penwick. 

'Twas  Janet's  pleasure  to  answer  her  lord's  in- 
quiry in  person,  and  after  swathing  her  lady  in 
fine  flannels,  she  hastened  to  Lord  Cedric's  pres- 
ence. 

She  found  him  standing  in  satin  breeches,  silk 
hose  and  buckled  high-heeled  shoes,  and  shirt  of 
sheer  white  lawn  and  rare  lace.  He  raised  his 
drooping  eyelids  lazily,  and  looked  at  Janet  as  he 
lifted  from  the  dressing-table  before  him  rings- 
rare  jewelled — and  adjusted  them  on  his  white 
fingers.  At  his  side  was  a  valet,  placing  fresh 
sachets  filled  with  civet  within  false  pockets  of 
the  satin  lining  of  his  lord's  waistcoat.  The  cold, 


118  Mistress  Pen  wick 

proud  gleam  from  Cedric's  dark  orbs  daunted  not 
Janet.  She  courtesied  with  grave  respect.  There 
was  that  in  her  eyes,  as  she  raised  them,  that 
called  for  the  dismissal  of  the  lackeys.  As  they 
passed  beyond  to  the  ante-chamber,  she  ap- 
proached and  spoke  low  in  tones  vibrant  with 
suppressed  emotion. 

"  My  lord,  as  I  am  with  thee  in  the  chiefest 
thought  of  thine  heart,  I  make  bold  to  inform 
thee  of  a  virulent  action  that  is  about  to  be  made 
against  thee ;  one  flagrant  of  state  intrigue  and 
court  duplicity." 

"  Damme,  what  now  ?  "  and  his  Lordship  leaned 
heavily  upon  the  table ;  the  conversation  at  the 
monastery  recurring  to  his  mind  with  force  as 
Janet  proceeded. 

"  Not  being  able  to  contain  my  anxiety  for 
Mistress  Penwick,  I  wrapt  myself  and  went  forth 
in  the  storm  to  watch  and  listen  for  aught  of  her 
return.  I  passed  some  little  distance  within  the 
confines  of  the  forest,  and  was  soon  put  upon  my 
guard  by  the  approaching  tramp  of  horses'  feet, 
and  then,  low-keyed  voices,  and  in  very  truth  I 
thought  my  lady  was  come  ;  instead,  three  horse- 
men came  within  a  few  feet  of  my  hiding  and 
one  said, — '  We  are  even  now  hard  by  the  Castle 
courtyard ;  'tis  possible  the  lackeys  are  waiting 
for  the  beauty  who  is  perchance  now  started  from 
the  monastery.  Didst  ever  see  such  beauty?' 
They  halted  and  dismounted  some  distance  from 


The  Ancient  Monastery  119 

the  open  road.  Then  one  said, — '  'Twill  send  his 
Majesty  to  madness  when  he  sees  before  him  such 
perfect  mould,  suing  for  his  most  gracious  clem- 
ency toward  our  cause.'  *  'Tis  a  wonder  my  lord 
of  Crandlemar  does  not  take  such  beauty  to  wife,' 
said  another.  '  He  may  bid  her  farewell  when 
once  her  fame  reaches  the  Court ;  and  'twill  be 
there  in  less  than  two  days  from  this  hour.  "Who 
will  remain  with  the  despatches  while  we  find 
that  rascal  Christopher  ? '  *  'Twill  best  serve  for 
one  to  go,  and  two  guard  the  horses  and  bags. 
Thou  hadst  best  go,  Twinkham,  thou  art  as  subtle 
as  the  wind.  Prod  the  villain  Christopher  to 
haste  and  enjoin  upon  him  secrecy  in  the  name 
of  His  Most  Catholic  Majesty,  the  Pope, — and  do 
not  thou  be  hindered  by  some  scullion  wench.' 
These  things  I  heard,  well-seasoned  with  impre- 
cation against  the  king.  I  hastened  from  the 
rendezvous  to  my  chamber  and  thought  upon  it, 
and — and  there  is  naught  can  be  done,  unless 
thou  wed  Mistress  Penwick  straightway." 

His  Lordship  fell  into  furious  rage,  and  vowed 
he  would  sever  Christopher's  head  from  his  rot- 
ting body  with  a  cleaver,  and  honour  him  not 
with  a  thought  of  Tyburn  Hill.  He  would  burn 
yonder  monastery  and  all  within  to  ashes  for 
the  wind  to  carry  away ;  and  he  would  lock 
Katherine  in  the  tower  with  his  own  hands ;  and 
he  started  toward  the  door,  half-dressed  as  he 
was,  and  flung  it  wide  open. 


120  Mistress  Penwick 

Her  Grace  of  Ellswold  stood  upon  the  thresh- 
old with  a  warning  finger  raised. 

"  Thou  hast  a  clamourous  tongue,  Cedric ;  the 
doctor  hath  enjoined  silence,  as  holding  for  the 
moment  the  greatest  good  for  his  Grace." 

"Now  God  forgive  me!  I  was  so  wrought 
upon  by  foul  communication  I  am  well  nigh 
distraught. — How  is  his  Grace  ?  " 

"  He  is  resting  quietly ;  but  I  thought  but 
now,  as  I  heard  thy  voice — indistinctly,  'tis  true, 
— his  pulse  did  flutter  extraly." 

"Dear  aunt,  forgive;  thou  shalt  not  be  thus 
annoyed  again."  He  turned  and  strode  up  and 
down  the  room  with  bent  head. 

Janet  watched  him  narrowly,  wondering  the 
while  that  any  female,  of  whatsoever  age,  could 
withstand  such  fine  mould,  masculine  grace  and 
handsome  features ;  such  strong  heart  and  hot 
blood.  What  maid  beside  her  Lambkin  would 
not  be  overjoyed  to  see  him  so  mad  with  love  of 
her  ?  "Who  could  resist  kneeling  before  him  and 
pleading,  and  watch  his  anger  take  flight ;  and 
feel  his  strong  arms  raise  her  and  fold  the  maiden 
bosom  to  his  heart,  where  'twould  throb  and  flut- 
ter as  he  held  it  close  pressed — ah !  'twas  not  his 
anger  that  would  kill,  nay  !  nay  !  'twas  his  tender 
passion. 

"Janet,  these  are  troublous  times  come  upon 
us.  They  have  come  within  these  walls.  We 
have  traitors  about  us.  That  knave  Christopher 


The  Ancient  Monastery  121 

shall  die  by  the  hand  of  the  lowest  scullion  in 
the  kitchen ;  for  'twould  dishonour  a  better  to 
mix  with  blood  of  swine.  And  thou  wilt  take 
thy  mistress  to  the  tower  and  there  be  bolted  in, 
and  'twill  be  given  out  that  her  ladyship  is  ill 
and  must  needs  have  quiet " 

"If  my  lord  values  her  health,  'twould  be 
best  to  put  her  in  a  less  windy  chamber;  the 
room  is  large  and  ill-heated  for  damp,  spring 
days." 

"  Canst  keep  her  safe  where  she  is  ?  " 

"  Aye,  leave  it  to  me,  my  lord." 

"And  thou  shalt  allow  of  no  communication 
with  those  outside,  save  her  Grace,  and  Angel 
thou  canst  rely  upon — stay — thou  mayest  allow 
Constance  to  keep  my  lady  company." 

"Nay,  my  lord,  I  would  refute  the  idea  of 
safety  in  my  Lady  Constance." 

"  'Sdeath,  what  meanest  thou ;  art  thou  also 
turned  from  serving  me  ?  " 

"  My  lord,  dost  remember  the  night  thou  didst 
have  dancers  from  London?  Lady  Constance 
sat  late  with  Mistress  Penwick,  and  at  last  com- 
plained of  thirst  and  they  two  stole  below  stair 
and  I  followed,  and  as  if  by  accident  Lady  Con- 
stance brought  Mistress  Katherine  to  the  cur- 
tained archway,  and  she  saw  thee  swaying  in 
thy  cups,  and  after  a  while  my  lady  led  mistress 
to  her  room  while  she  hastened  away  to  a  room 
apart  and  donned  the  garb  of  one  of  the  danc- 


122  Mistress  Pen  wick 

ing  maids  and  came  to  th6e  as  a  gipsy,  and  she 
told  thee  false  things  concerning  Mistress  Pen- 
wick " 

"Is  what  thou  sayest  true,  or  is't  thou  art 
going  mad  ?  " 

"  'Tis  true,  my  lord,  as  Mistress  Penwick  will 
tell  thee  if  thou  carest  to  ask." 

"And  Constance  would  do  such  an  act?— 
he  spoke  half  aloud  and  incredulously, — "  Nay,  I 
cannot  and  do  not  believe  it !  Thou  must  have 
dreamt  it,  Janet, — and  yet, — I  did  have  like 
visions! — Thou  art  right;  no  one  shall  see  thy 
mistress,  no  one,  mind,  but  Angel  and  her  Grace. 
'Tis  possible  the  king  may  send  for  me  within  a 
few  days ;  and  if  so,  I  must  go  and  leave  thee  to 
fight  the  battle  alone.  Art  able,  Janet  ?  " 

"  Trust  me,  my  lord." 

"  I  can  trust  thee,  good  Janet.  Look  after  her 
health  ;  keep  the  windows  open  for  fine  air,  but 
let  her  not  go  from  her  chamber.  How  thinkest 
thou  she  will  take  such  imprisonment  ?  " 

"  She  will  be  angry,  but  so  proud  she  will  not 
petition  for  freedom ;  she  may  even  brag  'tis  to 
her  liking  to  be  so  rid  of  thee." 

"  'Sdeath,  Janet,  thy  tongue  can  cut !  Dost 
believe  she  cares  a  jot  for  my  anger  ?  " 

"  Nay,  not  a  jot,  for  'tis  the  outcome  of  love, 
and  'tis  my  noble  lady  Innocence  that  is  well 
aware  that  thy  anger  will  fall  to  spray  when  she 
hath  a  notion  to  turn  the  tide." 


The  Ancient  Monastery  123 

"  Kay,  not  again  shall  she  win  from  me  aught 
but  cold  looks  'til  she  hath  a  mind  to  espouse 
me ; — and  yet  my  mind  was  made  up  to  marry, 
whether  she  consented  or  not ;  for  the  time  has 
come  when  the  one  who  waits  will  wait  still, 
and  the  one  who  rushes  on,  will  take  the  prize, 
whether  by  foul  or  fair  means ; — but  nothing 
can  be  done  to-night.  In  the  meantime  I  will 
steel  my  heart  to  harsh  deeds,  and,  by  God !  I 
will  bear  out  my  course.  Janet,  go  now  to  thy 
mistress,  and  should  I  be  despatched  for  before  I 
see  thee  again,  there  will  be  no  one  here  to  de- 
fend her  as  thou  canst  do.  Thou  must  not  allow 
the  servants  to  attend  upon  her ;  thou  must  do 
it  all  thyself — a  sweet  duty  !  so,  'tis  left  thee  to 
defend  with  thy  quick  wit." 

'Twas  near  noon  the  next  day  that  Mistress 
Pen  wick  arose  and  would  prepare  her  for  a  ride 
to  the  village,  when  Janet  told  her  of  the  im- 
prisonment imposed  upon  her  for  safety.  She  at 
once  became  angry  and  accused  her  nurse  of 
being  a  traitor  and  tool  for  Lord  Cedric. 

"  Kay,  Lambkin,  in  truth,  there  are  dark  deeds 
abroad.  Those  monastery  celibates,  who  are 
well  equipped  to  bandy  with  their  equals,  are 
mere  braying  bumpkins  when  they  have  to  do 
with  embroidered  waistcoats  and  amorous 
hearts.  They  have  surreptitiously  corrupted  one 
of  Lord  Cedric's  lackeys  and  the  fellow  is  con- 
demned to  die," 


124  Mistress  Pen  wick 

"  Condemned  to  die !  and  who  hath  done  the 
condemning,  pray  ?  " 

"  His  master,  to  be  sure  !  " 

"  Ah !  if  he  should  put  forth  the  accomplish- 
ment of  such  a  deed,  'twould  be  the  act  of  a  bar- 
barian. What  are  the  charges  against  him  ?  " 

"Just  what  it  is  I  know  not;  but  my  lord 
deems  the  charge  most  grave  and — he  may  be 
even  now  dead." 

"Janet,  thou  dost  so  frighten  me.  Does  the 
matter  concern  my  lord's  person, — is  his  life  in 
danger  ?  " 

"  Not  his  life  but  his  love ;  'tis  for  thy  sake  he 
does  it." 

"  For  my  sake  ! — then  it  shall  not  be  done ;  I 
will  see  to  it.  Let  me  go  to  Lord  Cedric  straight- 
way." 

"  His  orders  would  not  permit  it." 

"  For  shame,  Janet ;  to  save  a  man's  life  ?  Let 
me  go ;  I  am  not  afraid  of  his  anger." 

"  "Tis  impossible ;  he  would  send  me  away  if  I 
disobeyed  him." 

"  Then  thou  must  bring  him  here,  Janet." 

"  'Twill  do  no  good  to  see  him ;  he  will  not 
come.  He  is  thoroughly  out  of  all  patience  with 
thy  perverseness, — thou  wilt  never  find  another 
such  a  noble  lord  and  one  'twill  love  thee  with 
such  love ; — and  for  a  face  and  figure — well,  thou 
art  surely  blind  to  masculine  beauty ; — and  should 
his  Grace  go  hence,  my  lord  will  be  his  Grace 


The  Ancient  Monastery  125 

of  Ells  wold,  and  second  to  none  in  the  realm; 
he  will  become  as  much  to  the  king  as  the  Duke 
of  Buckingham,  and  will  far  outshine  Monmouth 
and  Shaftesbury." 

"  Nay,  Janet,  he  will  ne'er  become  great  when 
he  doth  so  confuse  justice  with  viciousness; — 
but,  nurse,  I  would  have  thee  haste.  Tell  my 
lord  that  I  beg  his  presence,  if  for  a  moment 
only ;  he  surely  would  not  refuse  so  trifling  a 
request." 

"  But  it  is  not  trifling,  as  he  well  knows  thou 
art  upon  the  keen  edge  of  want  before  thou  wilt 
so  much  as  smile  upon  him."  At  the  moment 
there  struck  upon  Mistress  Penwick's  ears  the 
tramp  of  horses'  feet,  and  straightway  she  ran 
to  the  window  and  leant  out  and  saw  Cedric 
about  to  ride  forth. 

"  My  lord,  my  lord !  "  she  cried,  and  dropped 
a  rose  to  attract  him.  His  horse  sprung  aside 
and  trod  upon  it ;  but  Cedric  looked  up  and  saw 
the  anxious  face  embrazured  by  ivy-clad  sill ; 
and  with  involuntary  courtesy  he  speedily  un- 
covered and  waited  thus  her  pleasure. 

"  May  I  have  a  word  with  thee,  my  lord  ?  " 

"  Indeed,  Mistress,  it  doth  rack  me  with  pleas- 
ure to  accord  thee  so  slight  a  service,"  and  he 
dismounted  quickly  and  strode  into  the  great 
hall  and  bounded  up  the  oaken  stairway.  It 
seemed  to  Mistress  Penwick,  as  she  heard  his 
rattling  spurs,  that  'twas  a  sound  of  strength, 


126  Mistress  Penwick 

and  she  felt  a  happy,  exultant  tremour,  knowing 
her  cause  already  won.  But  for  once  there  was 
not  wisdom  in  her  conceit.  She  made  a  sweep- 
ing courtesy  as  he  entered.  He  bent  low  before 
her,  waiting  her  first  words. 

"My  lord,  wilt  thou  permit  me  to  inquire 
somewhat  of  thy  mercy  ?  " 

"  Thou  dost  make  me  insolvent  of  such  a  qual- 
ity when  thy  keen  penetration  doth  not  discover, 
without  inquiry,  its  existence."  She  was  not 
daunted  by  his  severe  answer,  but  flushed  slightly 
at  his  imperturbance. 

"Then,  if  thou  dost  acknowledge  thyself  so 
pampered,  I  beg  thou  wilt  conjoin  to  justice  its 
semblance  and  forgive  thy  poor  servant  the  pen- 
alty of  death." 

"  Ah !  ah !  and  'tis  Christopher's  cause  thou 
art  pleading.  Happy  Christopher ! "  he  sighed 
deeply.  "If  the  King  would  thus  condemn  me, 
Mistress  Penwick  wouldst  thou  thus  care  for 
me?" 

"  The  query  is  of  that  so  premature  'twould  be 
impossible  to  frame  a  reply, — hence  I  beg  to  con- 
tinue converse  upon  an  affair  thoroughly  elabo- 
rated and  arranged." 

"  'Twould  grieve  me  to  say  at  once  '  nay ' ;  for 
that  would  end  at  once  for  me  these  supreme 
moments  in  thy  presence ;  however,  I  will  repeat 
the  adverb  of  negation  with  a  rising  inflection 
that  thou  mayst  continue  with  amplification." 


The  Ancient  Monastery  127 

"  Dost  thou  mean  to  discontinue  converse  with 
me?" 

"  Nay,  I  beg  not." 

"  Then  thou  meanest  thou  wilt  not  forgive  thy 
poor  servant,  and  wilt  impose  such  extreme  pen- 
alty; and  further  importunities  would  be  use- 
less?" 

"  I  forgive  the  dead  all  things." 

"  My  lord,  he  is  not  already  dead  ?  "  and  she 
fell  from  him  aghast. 

"  Nay,  but  soon  will  be." 

Mistress  Pen  wick  saw  no  softening  in  Cedric's 
manner,  and  she  became  alarmed  and  threw  some 
tenderness  in  her  voice  and  spoke  softly,  that  she 
might  lead  or  manage  her  lord  by  gentleness  and 
tact. 

"  My  lord,  do  not  look  so  cold  and  hard."  She 
drew  nearer  and  her  voice  became  more  plead- 
ing. "  'Tis  a  little  thing  for  thee  to  grant  me 
this  one  desire.  I  beg  with  all  my  heart  for  thy 
servant's  life." 

"Kay,  I  have  given  order  for  his  despatch 
before  sunset." 

"  Nay,  nay,  my  lord,  I  beg."  She  came  close 
to  him  and  laid  one  hand  caressingly  upon  the 
silver  fastenings  of  his  coat  and  he  turned  white 
and  trembled  and  caught  her  hand  within  his 
own  and  bent  down  and  pressed  his  lips  to  her 
fingers.  She  saw  her  advantage  and  followed  it 
close. 


128  Mistress  Penwick 

"  Wilt  grant  me  this  one  thing,  my  lord,  and  I 
will  hold  myself — ready  to — hear  thy  suit  re- 
newed— if  thou  so  will  it  ?  "  His  voice  vibrant 
and  low  with  passion  he  could  hardly  restrain, 
broke  forth, — 

"Kate,  Kate,  I  could  not  call  so  base  a  life 
worthy  of  thy  consideration,  and  I  could  not 
grant  thee  that  'twould  sully  thy  sweet  tongue 
to  barter  for." 

"  Thou  art  most  unrelenting,  my  lord  ! "  The 
maid  was  angry  for  having  offered  her  lord  the 
privilege  of  renewing  his  suit ;  which  he  didn't 
seem  inclined  to  do ;  and  finding  her  pleadings 
were  of  no  avail,  and  being  angry  and  annoyed, 
she  broke  into  tears,  knowing  of  a  certainty 
she  would  now  have  her  way,  even  though  her 
dignity  was  lowered.  Cedric  could  not  stand 
and  see  her  thus;  he  turned  from  her  quickly 
and  was  about  to  leave  her,  when  she  called  to 
him  almost  impatiently, — 

"My  lord,  wilt  grant  his  life  until  the  mor- 
row?" He  hesitated,  then  turned  and  bowing 
low,  murmured, 

"Until  the  morrow,  Kate,"  and  left  the 
chamber. 


CHAPTER  IX 

SIR  JULIAN   POMPHEEY 

"Now  time  is  something  to  have  gained! 
Janet,  thou  must  go  to  yonder  monastery  and 
bring  a  priest  to  shrive  Christopher." 

"  And  how  didst  thou  know  Christopher  was 
shriveable  ?  " 

"  "Tis  unseemly  of  thee  to  make  jest  of  divine 
ordinances." 

"  Nay,  I  would  not  jest  but  know  where  'twas 
thou  learnt  of  his  religion  ?  " 

"  All  of  the  Catholic  faith  know  one  another 
by  intuition ;  'tis  God-given." 

"Then  thou  didst  also  know  him  to  be  a 
rascal  ?  " 

"  Neither  do  I  know  it  now.  "Wilt  thou  not 
find  some  way  to  bring  a  priest  hither  ?  Pray, 
Janet,  do ;  for  if  I  let  it  go  past,  'twill  bring 
me  miserable  thoughts  and  wicked  dreams. 
Janet,  thou  didst  once  love  me  and  hadst  a 
fond  way  of  anticipating  my  desires  ;  but  thou 
hast  on  a  sudden  forgotten  thine  whilom  usages. 
Beshrew  thee  for  falling  away  from  thine  old 
friends  and  taking  up  with  new  ones.  Lord 
Cedric's  nurse  watches  him  from  morn  until 

129 


130  Mistress  Pen  wick 

eve  and  deigns  not  to  cajole  him  or  win  his 
desires  from  their  natural  bent." 

"  'Tis  wisely  said  ;  for  his  desires  are  inclined 
in  the  right  direction.  'Twas  but  last  night 
when  he  was  well-nigh  distraught  with  thy  ab- 
sence with  the  Russian  Jew  that  doth  ogle  thee, 
that  Angel  brought  his  riding-cloak  and  threw 
it  over  his  shoulders  as  he  tore  up  and  down  his 
chamber ;  and  she  said,  lowly, — '  Go,  my  lord, 
'twill  ease  thy  mind  to  ride,'  and  he  flew  to 
horse.  She  is  ever  helping  him  to  thee." 

"  And  now  I  would  have  thee  to  help  me  to 
my  lord's  good  graces  and  my  desires ;  but  thou 
art  evil  bent." 

"  Nay,  my  precious  Lambkin,  if  I  could  I  would 
help  thee  this  night  to  the  nuptial  altar ;  but  as 
to  helping  thee  to  thy  desires,  'twould  be  helping 
thy  peace  of  mind  and  him  to  utter  ruin ;  and 
such  calamity  would  render  thy  young  life  in- 
complete ;  for  without  this  noble  lord  thy  per- 
fectness  will  be  unfinished." 

"  Cease  carving  epitaphs,  Janet,  and  help  me 
assist  this  poor  unfortunate.  How  long  will  my 
lord  be  gone  ?  " 

"  He  has  only  gone  to  the  village  to  meet  the 
workmen  who  were  to  renovate  the  nurseries 
and  ride  home  with  Lady  Constance,  who  rode 
away  early  this  morning  when  thou  were  dream- 
ing of  Russia." 

"  Then  I  will  write  him  my  petition,  and  thou 


Sir  Julian  Pomphrey  131 

shalt  give  it  to  Angel  to  give  my  lord,  immedi- 
ately upon  his  return."  She  sat  down  with 
parchment  and  quill  and  wrote  rapidly ;  and  as 
Janet  noticed  not,  she  wrote  two  letters  instead 
of  one.  The  first  she  folded  evenly  and  put  be- 
neath a  book,  the  other  she  gave  to  Janet,  who 
took  it  and  left  the  chamber  to  seek  Angel. 
Mistress  Penwick,  thus  left  alone,  wondered  how 
she  should  convey  her  other  letter  to  Count 
Adrian.  She  approached  the  window,  and  lo! 
upon  the  upper  terrace  paced  her  Grace  of  Ells- 
wold  and  Cantemir.  'Twas  not  the  first  hour 
that  day  the  latter  had  so  paraded  the  sward, 
ever  and  anon  casting  glances  toward  Mistress 
Penwick's  windows.  Again  he  glanced  up  and 
saw  her  wave  a  white  paper  and  immediately 
leave  the  window.  He  guessed  at  once  'twas 
something  more  than  indisposition  that  held  her 
to  her  room.  Again  she  looked ;  they  had 
turned  from  the  window.  She  flung  forth  the 
paper  and  it  floated  down  as  Janet  came  into  the 
room. 

'Twas  late  that  evening  Katherine  sat  in  peig- 
noir and  unbound  hair,  ready  for  retiring,  when 
there  came  a  soft  rap  and  a  pleading  voice  ask- 
ing for  admission.  Now  Janet  was  not  one  whit 
afraid  of  double  dealing  when  she  was  present, 
and  being  proud  of  Mistress  Penwick  and  not 
wishing  it  to  appear  that  she  was  a  prisoner,  she 
opened  the  door  and  in  came  Lady  Constance 


132  Mistress  Penwick 

smiling  and  shy,  a  hollow-hearted  creature  of 
the  world.  Now  it  so  happened  that  Lady  Con- 
stance had  kept  herself  from  Katherine  for  some 
little  time,  wishing  not  to  be  disturbed  by  the 
maid's  beauty  ;  as  it  usually  stirred  her  to  frenzy 
and  she  wanted  perfect  quiet  for  calm  reasoning. 
It  took  some  time  to  plan  her  campaign  that  was 
already  full  started,  and  she  now  came  forth 
from  her  chamber  refreshed,  the  course  of  her 
slothful  blood  hastened  ;  her  eyes  gleamed  with 
impatience  for  action  ;  her  whole  being  changed, 
rejuvenated,  filled  with  a  new  life.  She  came 
also  with  a  full  knowledge  of  all  that  had  taken 
place  in  the  interim  of  her  absence  from  Kath- 
erine. She  came  well  prepared  for  a  bout,  and 
blushed  not  at  the  subterfuges  and  mean,  paltry 
artifices,  aye,  a  full  battery  of  chicaneries  that 
awaited  her  use,  as  she  crossed  the  maid's  cham- 
ber threshold.  "  '  All  is  fair  in  love  and  war,' "  she 
quoted — "'Tis  an  egregious  platitude  adopted 
alike  by  king  and  fool !  " 

"I  could  not  sleep  without  first  seeing  thee 
and  knowing  thy  condition.  It  must  be  more 
than  hard  for  thee  to  keep  thy  chamber  ?  "  said 
Constance. 

"  Nay,  thou  art  wrong  ;  the  convent  doth  inure 
one  to  quiet  and  solitude." 

"  Dost  think  thy  ailments  will  allow  thee  to  go 
abroad  on  the  morrow?" 

"  I  know  not,  I  am  at  Janet's  mercy  and  I  can- 


Sir  Julian  Pomphrey  133 

not  leave  my  seclusion  without  her  permission. 
I  feel  quite  well,  but  Janet  says  I  am  ill." 

"  Oh !  that  I  had  a  nurse  to  so  fondle  me ;  in- 
deed, she  has  kept  all  looks  of  illness  from  thee ; 
thy  face  is  as  clear  as  if  thou  hadst  been  fed  on 
wild  honey  all  thy  days ; — and  such  hair  !  Dost 
leave  it  thus  for  the  night  ?  " 

"  The  tangles  would  never  submit,  should  I  so 
leave  it." 

"  'Tis  my  delight  to  fuss  with  hair  and  thine  is 
so  beauteous — "  she  arose  and  went  to  Katherine 
and  smoothed  the  amber  threads — "  See,  when  I 
turn  it  thus,  'tis  like  rare  bronze,  and  when  I 
place  it  to  the  light,  'tis  a  glorious  amber.  May 
I  plait  it  for  thee, — I  should  love  so  much  to  do 
it?" 

"  If  'twill  give  thee  pleasure  thou  mayest  as- 
suredly plait  it,"  replied  Katherine.  Janet  now 
watched  for  a  whispered  word  or  some  sign  of 
intercourse ;  but  her  vigilance  was  of  no  avail, 
for  Lady  Constance  deftly  placed  a  tiny  paper  in 
Mistress  Penwick's  hair  and  plaited  tightly  over 
it. 

"  'Tis  such  a  pleasure  to  fuss  with  hair — and 
such  fine  threads,  too  ;  indeed,  I  have  half  a  mind 
to  become  a  peruquier, — there,  'tis  finished  ! " 

"  How  is  his  Grace,  Lady  Constance  ?  " 

"  He  bids  fair  to  pass  a  comfortable  night, — 
'tis  too  bad  his  physicians  cannot  arrive  before 
the  day  after  the  morrow,  They  have  also  sent 


134  Mistress  Penwick 

for  Sir  Julian  Pomphrey — a  favourite  of  the 
duke  and  an  intimate  and  college  fellow  of  Lord 
Cedric.  Sir  Julian  is  a  most  wonderful  man. 
When  but  nine  years  of  age,  he  entered  Eton 
school,  and  having  pursued  his  studies  there  with 
great  success  for  one  of  such  light  years,  he  was 
sent  to  travel  upon  the  continent,  where  he 
studied  in  Geneva  for  some  time ;  thence  he  went 
to  Florence,  remaining  there  many  months, — 
afterward  visiting  Eome  and  Geneva  and  other 
continental  cities  of  note.  He  returned  to  Eng- 
land a  scholar,  a  soldier,  a  gallant,  a  conqueror  of 
female  hearts, — in  brief,  he  holds  all  the  require- 
ments of  a  charming  cavalier  of  King  Charles' 
Court.  He  has  modish  habits  that  so  completely 
masque  his  strong  will  and  determination  that 
before  one  is  aware  they  are  caught  and  wound 
in  the  meshes  of  his  duplicity.  He  is  a  literate, 
poet  and  musician." 

"  Thou  dost  indeed  stir  me  to  great  interest, 
Lady  Constance ;  he  must  be  a  wonderful  man. 
It  seems  we  seldom  have  so  many  great  qualities 
in  one  human  being.  He  must  be  quite  along  in 
years  ?  " 

"  Nay,  not  at  all !  His  very  youthf ulness  is 
what  makes  him  such  a  wonder.  If  I  remember 
rightly,  he  is  but  two  years  senior  of  Cedric,  and 
I  will  venture  there  is  not  ten  pounds'  difference 
in  their  weight.  They  are  very  much  the  same 
mould,  and  their  voices  blend  as  one,  but 


Sir  Julian  Pomphrey  135 

has  the  handsomer  face.  Sir  Julian,  however, 
has  a  countenance  of  no  common  order ;  'tis  like 
a  rock  of  strength  already  well  lined  and  marked 
by  the  passions  that  have  swayed  him  to  battle 
and  death  or — perchance  a  lover's  intrigue.  He 
is  in  great  repute  for  his  smile  that  is  transcend- 
ent in  its  beauty,  but  one  can  never  tell  what 
note  it  rings,  whether  true  or  false;  its  condi- 
ment may  be  of  malice,  hate,  reserve,  flippancy, 
deception.  And  one  looks  on  and  fears  to  take 
part  in  his  mirth,  for  the  reason  one  knows  not 
what  lies  beneath  in  Sir  Julian's  heart." 

"  Indeed,  and  he  is  to  arrive  soon  ? — Sir  Julian 
Pomphrey — I  like  the  name ! " 

"  It  is  one  of  the  best  names  in  England.  I 
shall  be  very  glad  to  see  him,  and  hope  he  will 
come  soon.  When  he  gets  word  his  Grace  is  so 
ill,  he  will  probably  come  as  fast  as  the  ship  and 
post-horses  can  travel.  He  is  at  present  a  special 
emissary  to  France.  He  did  write  Cedric  some 
time  since  that  he  was  about  to  return  to  Eng- 
land, that  his  work  there  was  nearly  finished." 

"He  will  doubtless  be  playing  fine  French 
airs,  and  have  much  gossip  of  the  composers  and 
will  perchance  bring  music  with  him  that  will 
stir  us  to  greater  study  of  execution." 

"  It  may  be,  and  it  mayhap  so  move  thee ;  but 
I  am  foreign  from  the  rudiments  of  counterpoint 
and  technique  and  such  lollipops  of  harmony." 

"Then  it  must  be  wearisome  to  hear  me  prate. 


136  Mistress  Penwick 

of  the  divine  art,  and  much  more  to  hear  my 
poor  drummings  on  the  harpsichord,  I  am 
sorry " 

"Nay,  be  not  so.  I  am  more  content  when 
thou  art  at  practice  than  at  all  other  time,  save 
when  I  am  with  thee  thus,  alone."  And  there 
was  a  covert  meaning  in  her  flattery.  "Now, 
my  dear  Katherine,  if  thou  art  thus  beset  on  the 
morrow,  I  will  engage  to  come  at  thy  retiring 
hour  and  dress  thy  hair;  'twill  give  me  such 
pleasure." 

As  Lady  Constance  retired  from  the  chamber, 
Mistress  Penwick  stretched  her  lithe  body  and 
yawned  and  expressed  a  desire  for  the  bed. 
Soon  she  was  left  alone,  and  she  stole  from  her 
couch  and  knelt  at  the  hearthstone  and  read  the 
missive  eagerly  and  flushed  not  a  little  at  Count 
Cantemir's  warm  words  of  love  that  were  a  pre- 
lude to  the  weightier  matters  appertaining.  She 
crept  back  noiselessly  and  lay  pondering  of  many 
things.  It  seemed  to  her  as  if  all  earth  breathed 
of  love ;  that  she  was  the  nucleus  around  which 
all  flowers  and  perfume  and  everything  beautiful 
revolved.  And  now  she  was  about  to  open  a 
mystic  shrine,  into  which  she  would  step  and  see 
and  know  and  feel  with  youth's  ecstasy  a  strange 
development  of  essential  existence.  And  after 
wondering  and  speculating  upon  the  affairs  of 
love,  she  entered  into  prayerful  thought  of  Lord 
Cedric's  servant,  and  soon  fell  into  sound  slumber. 


CHAPTEK  X 

WHAT  HAPPENED  IN  THE  BUTLERY 

" '  BEHOLD  thou  art  fair,  my  love ;  behold  thou 
art  fair ;  thou  hast  dove's  eyes  within  thy  locks ; 
thy  hair  is  as  a  flock  of  goats,  that  appear  from 
Mount  Gilead. 

"  '  Thy  teeth  are  like  a  flock  of  sheep  that  are 
even  shorn,  which  come  up  from  the  washing ; 
whereof  every  one  bear  twins,  and  none  is  barren 
among  them. 

"  '  Thy  lips  are  like  a  thread  of  scarlet,  and  thy 
speech  is  comely  ;  thy  temples  are  like  a  piece  of 
pomegranate  within  thy  locks. 

" '  Thy  neck  is  like  the  tower  of  David  builded 
for  an  armory,  whereon  there  hang  a  thousand 
buckles '" 

"  Nay,  nay,  Janet,  thou  must  not  idolize  me 
thus,  'tis " 

"  Beshrew  thy  conceit.  'Tis  Solomon  I  repeat. 
Thou  were  not  thought  of  when  'twas  writ." 

Katherine  raised  upon  her  elbow  and  looked 
surprised  at  Janet,  who  knelt  by  the  bed. 

"  Thy  tongue  is  sharp,  Janet,  for  a  day  yet  in 
its  swaddling  hours." 

"  Aye,  'twill  be  whetted  two-edged  e'er  the 

137 


138  Mistress  Penwick 

day  waxes  old.  'To  everything  there  is  a  sea- 
son, and  a  time  to  every  purpose  under  the 
heaven ;  a  time  to  be  born,  and  a  time  to  die  ;  a 
time  to  plant,  and  a  time  to  pluck  up  that  which 
is  planted ;  a  time  to  kill,  and  a  time  to  heal ;  a 
time  to  break  down,  and  a  time  to  build  up ;  a 
time  to  weep,  and  a  time  to  laugh ;  a  time  to 
mourn,  and  a  time  to  dance ;  a  time  to  get,  and  a 
time  to  lose ;  a  time  to  keep,  and  a  time  to  cast 
away  ;  a  time  to  keep  silence,  and  a  time  to 
speak  ;  a  time  to  love  and  a  time  to  hate  ;  a  time 
for  evil  communication  to  be  thrown  from  young 
maid's  window,  a  time  to  look  for  answer  to  a 
pleading  letter  sent  to  a  justly  angered  lord ;  a 
time  when  his  Lordship  deigns  not  to  give  an- 
swer; a  time  when  a  young  lord  to  a  tender 
parchment  pregnant  with  importunities  says: 
'  Damme,  she  would  set  one  thief  to  shrive  an- 
other ; '  a  time  when  his  Lordship  slams  with  a 
bang  the  outside  cover  to  a  book  Uase  of  many 
turned  leaves." 

"Dear,  dear  sweet  Janet;  where  is  Lord 
Cedric?  And  has  he  said  nothing  of  Christo- 
pher ? "  The  nurse  averred  that  his  Lordship 
had  ridden  forth  early,  without  giving  his  desti- 
nation, and  had  left  no  word  concerning  the  serv- 
ant. 

"Perhaps  my  lord's  better  nature  hath  pre- 
vailed, and  he  will  keep  the  poor  fellow  in  dur- 
ance yet  for  a  time,"  said  Katherine,  hopefully. 


What  Happened  in  the  Butlery        139 

"  Nay,  his  decision  is  irrevocable.  He  is  not 
dealing  in  hearts  now,  Lambkin." 

There  was  no  doubt  in  Mistress  Penwick's 
mind  but  that  his  Lordship  would  kill,  or  cause 
to  be  killed,  the  condemned  lackey,  and  Janet 
knowing  'twas  his  Lordship's  temper  and  not 
his  heart  that  vowed  the  death,  dissembled  and 
impressed  upon  her  mistress  that  the  deed  was  as 
good  as  done. 

Katherine's  wit  was  sharpened  by  the  exi- 
gency, and  she  managed  to  use  the  window  again 
as  a  post,  only  fearing — from  Janet's  anomaly  of 
Solomon's  words — that  some  one  waited  below 
to  capture  the  flying  missive.  This  issue  was 
accomplished  as  the  nurse  was  listening  to  the 
Duke  of  Ellswold's  message;  when,  late  in  the 
morning,  the  duke  after  swallowing  a  stimulant 
declared  he  must  have  the  more  substantial  re- 
freshment of  Mistress  Penwick's  beauteous  coun- 
tenance. 

The  duke  was  too  ill  to  remain  up  long ;  and 
though  Katherine  was  less  than  an  hour  from 
her  chamber,  the  day  was  much  shortened  by 
the  diversion.  As  night  approached  she  became 
more  and  more  anxious  about  Christopher.  In- 
deed, it  seemed  to  her  as  if  the  moments  were 
hours  after  candle-light.  And  she  moved  rest- 
lessly about  her  chamber  and  listened  and  sighed 
for  the  return  of  his  Lordship.  Surely  the  silence 
was  more  pronounced  than  usual ;  it  became  om- 


140  Mistress  Pen  wick 

inous  to  her,  and  she  spoke  out  quickly  in  a  voice 
that  was  peevish : 

"  The  castle  is  very  quiet  to-night.  His  Grace 
is  not  suffering  again,  I  hope  ?  "Wilt  see,  Janet  ? 
I'm  in  a  perfect  fever  of  impatience ! " 

"  Nay,  he  is  very  comfortable.  Her  Grace  is 
with  him.  Lady  Constance,  Lady  Bettie  and  the 
Russian  are  at  cards." 

"  Will  my  lord  arrive  soon,  dost  think,  Janet  ?  " 

"  I  know  not.  "Why  art  thou  so  solicitous  on 
a  sudden  of  his  outgoings  and  incomings  ?  " 

"  I  would  make  another  effort  to  save  Christo- 
pher, if  I  could  but  converse  with  my  lord." 

"  And  what  wouldst  thou  give  him  in  exchange 
for  the  fool's  life  ?  " 

"  Everything,  Janet, — all  that  I  have  to  give 
should  be  his." 

"  Then  that  includes  thy  heart,  Lambkin  ?  " 

"  Nay,  dear  nurse,  my  heart  is  already  given." 

"  Of  all  the  powers  that  be  !  And  what  knave 
hath  attempted  to  steal  that  that  thou  wert  born 
without  ?  " 

"  'Tis  unjust  of  thee  to  speak  thus.  I  have  a 
mind  not  to  tell  thee  !  " 

"  Thou  wilt  tell  me  straightway,  for  thou  wilt 
turn  all  colours  when  I  say  Adrian  Cantemir," 
and  quickly  Mistress  Penwick  turned  her 
back,  "  I  am  aggrieved  at  thy  folly.  What 
hath  he  said  to  thee  ?  Tell  me  every  word, 
Lambkin." 


"What  Happened  in  the  Butlery        141 

"  He  hath  said  more  than  I  could  tell  thee, 
Janet,  in  a  whole  hour." 

"  It  is  impossible  !  And  what  were  all  of 
these  hour  sayings, — love  pratings  ?  " 

"  If  I  told  thee,  thou  wouldst  then  know  as 
much  as  both  of  us,  and  there  are  but  two  in  a 
marriage  contract ;  so  I  will  have  to  begin  bar- 
ring secrets  from  thee." 

"  And  did  he  tell  thee  what  marriage  meant  to 
two  people  knowing  not  their  own  minds  ?  " 

"  He  said  'twas  a  most  perfect  life.  All  was 
sunshine  and  flowers  and  great  happiness.  First 
of  all,  he  will  take  me  to  Russia,  as  'tis  his  pleas- 
ure to  hasten  home  with  me.  Then  we  will  visit 
the  French  and  English  courts,  and  we  will  see 
all  the  beauties  of  this  life.  I  shall  become 
known  among  the  musicians  and  meet " 

"  And  said  he  naught  of  home-life,  and  the  ex- 
tent of  his  riches  ?  " 

"Nay,  we  are  to  live  at  Court  always,  free 
and  happy,  consorting  ever  with  kings  and 
queens ' 

"  Did  his  High-mightiness  ever  consider  that 
court  dignitaries  consort  not  with  a  rogue  who 
hath  entrapt  an  angel  for  spouse  ?  " 

"  I  will  not  listen  to  thy  rough  tongue,  Janet," 
and  she  straightway  closed  her  ears  with  her 
tapering  fingers  and  walked  up  and  down  as  a 
spoilt  child  would  do. 

The  prandium  hour  was  past,  and  the  evening 


Mistress  Penwick 

far  spent  when  Mistress  Penwick  desired  to  re- 
tire. 

"  'Tis  most  likely  his  Lordship  will  not  return 
to-night,  Janet  ?  " 

"  He  has  gone  on  a  journey  of  some  import,  as 
Angel  hath  just  said ;  so  I  could  not  say  when 
to  look  for  his  return." 

Janet  had  been  asleep  some  time  when  she 
was  aroused  by  some  subtle  thing  that  brought 
her  upright  and  from  thence  to  the  floor  and 
from  the  floor  to  the  closet  that  connected  her 
apartment  with  that  of  her  mistress.  The  door 
was  locked ;  this  was  an  innovation  that  startled 
Janet  to  a  keen  alertness.  She  rattled  the  knob 
and  knocked  upon  the  panelling.  Stooping,  she 
saw  the  key  was  turned  in  the  door.  She  hur- 
ried from  the  place  to  her  own  room  and  into 
the  hall,  and  from  the  hall  to  a  small  corridor, 
and  from  thence  to  the  grand  corridor,  where 
opened  the  door  of  her  mistress'  ante-chamber. 
In  she  flew,  and  tried  the  inner  door.  'Twas 
fast  locked,  and  the  key  gone.  It  seemed  she 
sped  on  wings  as  she  descended  the  oaken  stair- 
way in  her  trailing  gown.  She  reached  Lord 
Cedric's  bed-chamber  with  trepidation  and  not  a 
little  daunted  ;  for  should  his  Lordship  be  within 
'twas  possible  his  anger  would  knoAv  no  bounds ; 
and  while  she  loved  his  good  hot  temper,  she 
feared  it  when  so  justly  aroused.  Within  the 
ante-chamber  was  a  steward  and  two  or  three 


What  Happened  in  the  Butlery        143 

lackeys,  all  asleep ;  she  passed  them  silently,  and 
without  hesitation  opened  the  door.  Lord  Ced- 
ric  sat  before  the  table  in  riding  boots  and  spurs, 
divested  of  coat  and  waistcoat;  writing,  and 
looked  up  surprised  and  amazed  at  one  who 
dared  to  so  enter  his  presence ;  but  he  read  that 
in  Janet's  countenance  that  brooked  not  at  de- 
lay. 

"  My  lord,  Mistress  Pen  wick  hath  deserted  her 
chamber,  and  I  know  not  where  to  find  her,  nor 
can  think  of  where  she  may  be  gone."  Lord 
Cedric  stood  before  her  still  and  white  as  marble, 
his  face  glistened  with  the  cold  sweat  of  fear. 

"  By  God,  Janet,  thy  tale  doth  take  from  me 
all  strength !  "  Even  as  he  spoke  he  sunk  down 
upon  his  chair.  Janet  brought  from  a  stool  hard 
by  a  posset-pot  and  pressed  it  to  his  lips.  He 
drank  gurglingly,  as  if  his  throat  was  paralyzed. 

"  Janet,"  he  breathed  forth,  "  call  the  lackeys." 
He  had  somewhat  recovered,  and  stood  upright 
while  his  valet  buckled  on  his  sword.  He  took 
from  the  table  a  polished  dagger  and  placed  it  in 
his  belt ;  he  called  for  candles  and  bade  the  lack- 
eys lead  on.  Janet  was  well-nigh  distraught  at 
this  awful  cloud  of  anger  that  was  about  to  break 
forth  in  the  thunder  of  his  tongue  and  stroke  of 
sword.  The  steward  of  the  household  was 
aroused,  and  keys  were  brought  to  unfasten 
Mistress  Penwick's  door,  that  they  might  ascer- 
tain if  she  had  fled  afar.  Her  hoods  and  hats 


144  Mistress  Penwick 

were  all  in  place  upon  the  shelves  of  the  dressing- 
closet,  but  there  was  gone  a  white  camelot  cloak. 
The  footman  near  the  outer  entrance  said  none 
had  passed  since  Lord  Cedric's  arrival. 

"  But,  my  God !  I  have  just  arrived ;  who 
passed  before  ?  " 

"  Not  one  soul  since  nightfall,  save  the  village 
doctor,  your  Lordship." 

Lord  Cedric  had  enjoined  perfect  silence,  fear- 
ing lest  some  noise  might  disturb  his  Grace  of 
Ellswold. 

The  lackeys  bearing  lighted  tapers — behind 
them  the  young  lord  of  the  castle,  with  the  at- 
tendant Janet — moved  solemnly  like  a  proces- 
sion. 

They  passed  thus  from  room  to  corridor,  from 
hall  to  gallery,  and  through  passages  ;  examining 
secret  exits  and  closets.  They  traversed  the  long 
banquet-hall  and  were  upon  the  threshold  of  a 
carved  and  lofty  doorway,  when  Janet  espied 
upon  the  parquetry  a  cobweb  bit  of  lace  pro- 
truding from  beneath  the  tapestry  of  a  chair. 
Lord  Cedric's  keen  eyes  marked  her  movement 
as  she  essayed  to  reach  it  without  his  notice.  He 
turned  quickly  and  fierce  upon  her,  knocking  his 
sword  with  a  loud  noise  upon  the  chair's  carving. 

"  Give  me  thy  treasure,  Janet !  "  She  gave  it 
to  him  with  something  like  a  sob ;  for  'twas  her 
mistress'  handkerchief,  and  she  feared  mightily 
her  lord's  anger. 


What  Happened  in  the  Butlery        145 

"  Your  Lordship  !  If  it  so  turned  out  that  she 
be  holding  some  rendezvous  with  thy  Russian 
guest " 

"  Ah,  'sdeath  !  "  he  interrupted. 

"  I  beg  thou  wilt  forgive  much,  she  being  of 
such  slender  age  and  knowing  not  the  great 
wrong  of  clandestine " 

"  Ah !  ah !  she  holdeth  court  here  in  the  chief 
butlery." 

The  door  before  them  had  been  thrown  open 
by  the  lackeys.  They  stood  upon  either  side  for 
his  Lordship  to  pass  through.  Beyond,  framed 
in  the  dark  embrasure  of  the  archway,  stood 
Mistress  Pen  wick  in  gleaming  white.  Her  hands 
behind  her  rested  upon  a  table  from  which  long 
leaves  depended  to  the  floor,  upon  either  side, 
her  camelot  cloak  was  thrown  carelessly  upon 
the  further  end,  its  long  fulness  draping  to  the 
floor,  and  in  the  centre  of  the  polished  top  of  the 
table  rested  a  tall,  silver  candlestick  with  lighted 
taper.  Upon  the  hearthstone  there  shot  up  a 
cheerful  blaze,  for  the  night  was  damp  and  chilly, 
and  the  flickering  light  sent  Mistress  Pen  wick's 
hair  first  amber,  then  bronze.  Her  face  was  still 
and  white,  and  her  eyes  flashed  wide  and  boldly. 
Her  heart  beat  high  and  her  breath  came  fast  and 
hard. 

For  a  moment  only  his  Lordship's  glance  fell 
upon  her,  then  it  swept  the  room  from  end  to 
end,  and  from  ceiling  to  parquetry.  Then  oc- 


146  Mistress  Pen  wick 

curred  a  strange  thing  to  them  all ;  for  'twas  ever 
Cedric's  way  to  swear  and  curse,  using  holy  names 
and  blasphemous  phrases ;  and  it  startled  Kath- 
erine  more  than  all,  as  he  spoke  low  and  calmly, 
holding  out  his  jewelled  hand  to  her : 

"  Come,  Mistress  Pen  wick,  I  will  escort  thee  to 
thy  chamber ;  'tis  a  childish  trick  of  thine  to  seek 
bread  and  butter  at  such  unseemly  hours." 

"  But,  my  lord,  I  am  not  yet  begun." 

"  Ah  ! — with  one  pair  of  shapely  hands  unused 
to  spreading  butter,  it  doth  take  long  in  prepara- 
tion." The  snowy  whiteness  of  his  Lordship's 
waist  reflected  upon  his  face,  where  now  came 
and  went  its  wonted  colour,  as  doubt  and  cer- 
tainty fought  for  supremacy.  He  stepped  nearer 
and  glanced  behind  her  upon  the  table. 

"  Thou  hast  not  even  brought  forth  bread.  I 
will  aid  thee,"  and  he  went  to  the  cupboards  that 
lined  the  room,  and  opened  and  looked  within 
each  large  door,  until  he  was  satisfied  of  his 
search,  and  those  about  stood  watching  and 
trembling,  fearing  lest  some  one  should  be  found 
in  hiding. 

"  I  find  naught  here  of  bread  or  butter,  Mis- 
tress Penwick  ;  we  will  have  to  seek  elsewhere ! " 

"  And  thou  wilt  not  have  far  to  seek,  my  lord ; 
my  whey  sits  freshly  made  upon  the  cellaret  in 
yonder  closet  adjoining ;  if  thou  wilt  be  so  kind 
as  to  bring  it  hither,  Janet  will  provide  me  with 
bread,"  and  Katherine  looked  triumphant. 


"What  Happened  in  the  Butlery        147 

"I  would  first  learn  whom  I  follow.  "Who 
hath  so  cavalierly  concocted  it  for  thee  at  this 
late  hour  ?  Where  is  the  person,  my  lady  ?  " 

"  One  who  is  in  the  habit  of  following  thy  or- 
ders ;  but  at  mine  he  hath  made  it ;  'twas  Tomp- 
kins."  Her  voice  rung  with  so  much  of  truth, 
his  Lordship  was  satisfied  and  looked  at  her  with 
a  lighter  heart ;  then,  as  she  pointed  toward  the 
door — a  mute  command  for  him  to  bring  the 
whey — he  frowned  and  drew  back  and  spoke, — 

"  Hiary  will  bring  it  thee,  for  'tis  said  a  hand 
put  forth  by  an  angry  heart  doth  curdle  that  it 
toucheth  and — I  am  of  no  mind  to  be  either  kind 
or  courteous."  At  these  words,  the  colour  that 
had  come  into  Katherine's  face  a  moment  before, 
left  it. 

As  Hiary  turned  to  do  his  lord's  bidding,  a 
door  opened  and  Tompkins  entered  with  a  lighted 
candle  and  large  basket.  Seeing  the  unexpected, 
coughed  to  hide  his  confusion ;  indeed  he  knew 
not  which  way  to  turn,  when  his  Lordship 
walked  to  his  side  and  raised  the  cover  of  the 
basket  and  looked  within. 

"  It  appears  that  'twas  a  feast  thou  wert  pre- 
paring ; — everything  suitable  for  a  full  meal. 
Here  is  fowl  and  cheese  and  mutton  tarsal  and 
bread  and  ale, — Egad !  we  shall  not  want  now, 
shall  we,  Mistress  Pen  wick?  Set  the  table, 
Tompkins ! " 

"  Ah  !  "  came  in  an  asperate  tone  from  the  now 


148  Mistress  Penwick 

trembling  and  frightened  maid.  His  Lordship 
heard  it  and  saw  her  turn  white  and  tremble. 
Slowly  he  walked  to  the  hearthstone,  eyeing  her 
askance,  then  he  swept  his  brow  where  the  cold 
perspiration  lay  in  beads ; — then  turned  to  her 
again  with  a  world  of  love  for  her  in  his  eyes 
and  a  great  crushing  self-pity ;  and  the  menials 
looked  away  from  the  abject  misery  they  beheld 
in  their  lord's  face ;  Tompkins  fumbled  nervously 
with  his  burden,  daring  not  to  look  up ;  Janet 
leant  forward,  intent,  pained,  sorrowing,  scanning 
the  two  countenances  she  loved  best  on  earth. 
His  Lordship  stretched  forth  his  arms  and  with  a 
great  sob  that  broke  upon  that  one  word  "  Kate," 
he  took  a  step  forward  and  essayed  again  to 
speak,  but  the  words  would  not  come.  Then 
with  a  great  effort  he  seemed  to  fling  all  tender- 
ness from  him  and  spoke  most  harshly, — 

"  Where  hast  thou  hid  thy  lover,  Mistress  Pen- 
wick,  tell  me  where  he  is ! "  She  drew  herself 
up  quickly  to  her  full  height  and  smiled,  for  this 
was  one  thing  and  she  had  thought  another,  and 
the  reality  was  better  than  her  fancy.  And  she 
said,  as  she  drew  a  long,  relieved  breath,— 

"  He  is  safe,  my  lord  !  " 

"  Nay,  nay,  by  God  !  he  is  not  nor  ever  will  be 
again.  He  hath  so  dealt  with  me  and  my  hon- 
our, even  though  I  stand  within  mine  own  thresh- 
old 'twould  be  heinous  to  allow  him  to  leave  it 
with  life  in  his  accursed  body.  I  tell  thee  now, 


What  Happened  in  the  Butlery        149 

there  is  nothing  of  hell  or  heaven  that  can  take 
thee  from  me.  Dost  hear — dost  hear,  maid?" 
He  again  wiped  his  brow  and  looked  about  him. 
"  It  does  somewhat  appear  as  if  my  brain  were 
turning ! — Janet — bring  thy  maid  here  to  me  ! 
Janet  made  a  step  forward,  but  was  checked  by 
Katherine's  warning  look. 

"Mistress  Penwick,  remove  thyself  from  the 
table ;  Tompkins,  set  it,  set  it,  set  it  quickly  I 
say  ! "  Tompkins  put  the  basket  upon  the  table 
and  turned  to  a  linen  closet  and  brought  there- 
from a  cloth  and  made  as  if  to  spread  it  upon  a 
small  table  near  him.  His  Lordship  saw  his 
move,  and  broke  forth  in  angry  tones,— 

"  The  table  of  honour,  there,  there  Tompkins ! " 
As  he  shook  his  fingers  toward  it,  his  hand  fell 
back  upon  the  hilt  of  his  sword. 

"  Nay,  I  forbid  him  to  do  it,"  said  Katherine. 

"By  all  the  foul  fiends!  raise  the  leaves  or  I 
smite  thee  down,"  said  Lord  Cedric  to  the  fright- 
ened Tompkins.  And  he  drew  and  leaned  for- 
ward his  body  well  nigh  to  the  floor.  His  eyes 
were  wild  and  bloodshot.  As  Tompkins  raised 
the  leaves  Mistress  Penwick  threw  herself  be- 
tween his  Lordship  and  the  table.  "With  one 
bound  Cedric  swayed  aside  and  like  one  frenzied, 
gazed  beneath  the  table,  and  there  looked  out  to 
him  the  white  face  of  Christopher. 

His  Lordship  broke  forth  into  such  a  wild 
laugh,  even  the  affrighted  and  condemned  serv- 


150  Mistress  Penwick 

ant  crept  from  his  hiding  and  looked  on  amazed. 
Finally,  when  his  laughing  had  well-nigh  ceased, 
his  Lordship  drew  from  his  belt  the  dagger  and 
threw  it  across  the  room  at  Hiary,  saying, — 

"  There  ;  stick  him  as  thou  wouldst  a  wild  boar 
— no  probing,  mind ;  but  death  !  " 

"  Nay,  nay,  my  lord !  my  lord  !  "  broke  from 
Mistress  Penwick,  and  Janet  ran  to  her  crying,— 

"My  lord,  not  so  harsh  a  deed  before  my 
lady's  eyes ! " 

"Ah!  ah!  and  she  hath  carved  my  heart  to 
pieces  !  Commit  thy  office,  Hiary  ! "  The  lithe 
lackey  sprang  upon  Christopher  and  drove  the 
knife,  it  appeared,  to  the  hilt,  and  with  a  gurg- 
ling cry  the  lad  fell. 

Mistress  Penwick  looked  on  wild-eyed  with 
terror.  His  Lordship  came  near  and  leant  close 
to  her  ear  and  said, — 

"  Thou  hast  turned  thy  charms  to  ill  account, 
thou  stirrest  me  to  evil  deeds.  Didst  thy  love 
help  thee  to  this  rendezvous,  and  was  he  satisfied 
to  leave  thee  when  he  heard  my  sword  flap  upon 
the  chair  without  to  fight  thy  battles  alone,  or 
did  he  sate  his  desire  on  thy  innocent  face  and 
fled  aforetime  to  prepare  for  a  greater  sating  ? 
Now  by  God,  none  shall  wrest  thee  from  me 
again.  Arouse  the  chaplain!  Come,  Mistress, 
thou  shalt  have  a  husband  who  loves  thee  within 
the  hour,  and  the  morrow's  sun  will  look  in  on 
a  sweet  young  wife  with  a  light  heart." 


What  Happened  in  the  Butlery        151 

He  laid  hold  on  her  without  violence,  she 
drew  from  him  even  more  frightened  than  here- 
tofore. 

"Come,  we  will  wed  straightway  and  before 
dawn  thou  wilt  have  forgotten  my  haste  and 
stout  urging,"  and  he  started  forth  drawing  her 
with  him  by  force.  She  struggled  wildly  and 
cried, — 

"  Nay,  nay ;  I'll  not  marry  with  one  who 
would  strike  down  and  kill  the  unfortunate; 
nay,  nay  !  "  and  she  screamed  again  and  again. 

From  the  doorway  came  a  voice  of  thunder, 
its  power  seemed  to  crush  out  all  other  presence. 
'Twas  but  one  word,  but  it  rung  and  vibrated 
and  stirred  each  breast  with  its  vehemence. 

"Cedric!" 

His  Lordship  let  go  the  maid  and  turned  and 
sprang  to  the  open  arms  of  him  who  called.  The 
awful  tension  of  his  nerves  relaxed  and  he  ut- 
tered in  rapid  succession, — 

"  Julian,  Julian,  Julian !  "  and  fell  to  sobbing, 
his  form  trembling  with  his  emotion. 

"  Hath  gore  of  canaille  sapped  thy  noble  blood 
and  impregnated  in  thy  veins  vile  clots  to  turn 
thee  purple  with  choler  ?  "  and  he  pushed  Cedric 
from  him.  "What  doeth  this  couchant  dog 
here?"  He  turned  and  stirred  the  prostrate 
form  of  Christopher.  "  'Tis  ill  to  so  fall  upon 
the  seething  caldron  of  thy  passion,  the  noxious 
fumes  of  which  penetrate  yonder  to  our  kins- 


152  Mistress  Pen  wick 

man's  couch  of  suffering — and  at  the  same  time 
thou  dost  pound  to  pomace  the  heart  of  yonder 
Junoesque  figure." 

"Julian,  thy  tongue  hath  an  awful  strength, 
it  doth  goad  me  to  something  like  reason.  I 
was  indeed  rough,  but  I  was  looking  after 
mine  own.  The  maiden  there  is  plighted  to 
me  for  espousal  and  I  was  taking  her  to  the 
chaplain." 

"  It  may  be  thou  dost  take  her  rightfully ;  but 
if  'twere  me  I  would  bring  her  to  it  by  soft  and 
gentle  words,  not  by  handling.  It  doth  take 
away  the  sweetness." 

"  Indeed,  Julian,  I  have  used  all  things  worth 
using  to  gain  her.  I  have  played  all  parts  and 
have  asked  and  sued  and  prayed,  aye,  begged.  I 
have  honoured  and  loved  and  pampered  her 
every  whim;  I  have  coerced  and  threatened,— 
all  to  no  avail ;  indeed,  I  have  gone  mad  for  very 
effort  to  please." 

"  Hast  thou  tried  cold  indifference  and  haught- 
iness ?  It  oft  haps  that  a  maid  is  won  by  a  lofty 
and  arrogant  mien."  Sir  Julian  Pomphrey 
glanced  askance  at  Mistress  Pen  wick,  who  lay 
with  her  face  buried  upon  Janet's  ample  bosom. 
"  Methinks  'twould  be  a  good  beginning,  if  thou 
wouldst  renew  thy  suit  by  sending  the  maid  to 
her  chamber  and  let  her  espouse  Morpheus  and 
'suage  her  grief  upon  a  bosom  thou  needst  not 
be  jealous  of."  Janet  arose  and  led  forth  Kath- 


What  Happened  in  the  Butlery        153 

erine.  Lord  Cedric  stepped  after  them  and  held 
out  his  hands  and  sobbed, — 

"  Kate,  Kate,  forgive,  forgive  !  "  She  deigned 
not  a  backward  look. 

As  they  passed  from  sight,  he  fell  upon  his 
knees  and  shook  with  his  great  emotion  and 
groaned  aloud  in  his  misery. 

Sir  Julian  Pomphrey  dressed  as  a  gentleman 
of  France  in  riding  apparel;  his  overhanging 
top-boots  displaying  a  leg  of  strength  and  fine 
proportions;  the  curls  of  his  periwig  sweeping 
his  broad  shoulders ;  his  hands,  half -hid  by  rare 
lace,  gleaming  white  and  be-jewelled ;  a  mus- 
tachio  so  flattened  with  pomade  it  lay  like  a 
black  line  over  his  parted  lips,  through  which 
shone  strong  white  teeth,  was  veritably  a  man 
of  noble  character  and  distinction.  He  was  the 
counterpart  of  Lord  Cedric  in  all  save  visage  and 
temperament. 

Gracefully  he  strode  across  the  room  with  the 
confidence  of  one  who  had  already  mastered  the 
situation ;  planned  for  his  Lordship  a  complete 
victory,  and  there  was  naught  left  to  do  but 
carry  out  the  methodical  arrangements  thus 
quickly  formulated.  He  placed  his  hand  lightly 
upon  Cedric's  shoulder.  His  touch  was  like 
magic,  for  his  Lordship  started. 

"  Cedric,  I  have  rid  hard  and  would  seek  my 
bed.  Come  with  me  and  calm  thyself.  Yonder 
maid  thou  shalt  have,  so  sure  as  thou  dost  do 


154  Mistress  Pen  wick 

my  bidding ;  and  she  will  sigh  and  draw  quick 
breath  and  preen  herself  to  gain  from  thee  one 
amorous  glance  ;  and  will  do  penance  for  her  un- 
towardness  and  offer  hecatombs  as  high  as  zenith 
will  allow." 

"  Dost  think  so,  Julian  ?  It  gives  me  hope  to 
hear  thee  thus  speak." 

"Indeed,  I  may  say — 'tis  done — even  though 
'twere  precipitately  avowed ; — but  oft,  'tis  the 
premature  babe  that  doth  become  the  most  pre- 
cocious child,  and  'tis  well  to  foster  that  'tis 
fecund." 

"But,  Julian,  she  hath  another  lover, — and 
now  that  I  think  on't,  didst  thou  meet  a  knave 
upon  horse,  perhaps,  attended  by  a  swaggering 
groom  as  thou  cam'st  through  the  village  or 
thereabouts  ?  " 

"Thou  hast  said  it.  A  half -league  beyond 
Crandlemar  there  past  me  at  furious  speed  a 
devil-upon-horse.  I  hallowed  once  and  again  to 
no  avail,  so  I  prodded  the  fellow  with  my  sword 
to  assist  his  respiratory  organs,  as  he  flew  by. 
'Twas  a  kindly  act,  for  he  immediately  found  his 
breath  and — swore." 

"  And  didst  notice  his  livery  ?  " 

"  Nay,  for  the  trees  were  too  ostentatious  and 
flaunted  their  new,  green  finery  impudently  and 
hid  Neptune's  satellite  or — 'twas  cloudy,  I  could 
not  see.  Come,  come,  I  must  and  thou,  too,  have 
sleep  if  the  God  thereof  doth  not  wantonly  spend 


What  Happened  in  the  Butlery        155 

too  much  time  with  thy  mistress ; — but  thou  shalt 
soon  offset  him  and  I  may  have,  for  one  night  at 
least,  his  undivided  attention." 

"  Ah,  heaven,  that  thy  words  may  prove  true. 
'Tis  hard  to  bide  the  time.  Come,  let  us  begone 
from  this  foul  nest  that  reeks  of  blood." 


CHAPTER  XI 

JACQUES  DEMPSY 

To  Katherine's  untutored  vision  of  social  and 
religious  matters,  all  appeared  like  a  placid  sea ; 
but  beneath,  political  dissension  complicated  by 
religious  wrangling  produced  a  vigorous  under- 
current into  which  she  was  to  be  drawn. 

The  exegencies  of  poverty  and  exile  through 
which  King  Charles  had  passed  made  him  resolve 
not  to  "go  again  upon  his  travels,"  and  for  this 
cause  he  tolerated  the  Episcopal  religion,  of 
which  system  the  cavaliers  were  votaries;  and 
they  supported  the  royal  prerogative.  Being  an 
alien  to  honour,  truth  and  virtue,  he  was  not 
stirred  to  a  wholesome  interest  of  importunities, 
save  when  a  voluptuously  beautiful  female  solic- 
ited his  attention.  Now  'twas  Lady  Constance' 
plan  to  forward  Count  Cantemir's  suit  with  Mis- 
tress Penwick  and  hasten  a  marriage  that  could 
only  be  clandestine,  owing  to  Lord  Cedric's  vig- 
ilance. If  this  scheme  should  prove  abortive,  it 
was  her  intention  to  bring  the  maid  to  the  king's 
notice.  Here  were  two  lines  of  battle,  each  sur- 
rounded by  skirmishing  detachments.  She  was 
subtle  in  the  extreme,  and  arranged  warily  these 

156 


Jacques  Dempsy  157 

side  issues,  which  had  more  of  death  and  utter 
destruction,  in  them  than  an  open  onset. 

Kigidly  she  had  kept  from  Cantemir  the 
knowledge  of  Mistress  Pen  wick's  insolvency, 
likewise  the  death  of  her  father;  knowing  the 
condition  of  the  count's  fortunes,  she  feared  he 
would  retreat ;  his  love  for  the  maid  might  be  of 
such  a  nature  'twas  possible  he  would  not  take 
part  in  the  ugly  skirmish  against  her.  So  Con- 
stance had  set  about  systematically  to  bring  Mis- 
tress Pen  wick  and  Adrian  to  an  understanding 
of  each  other. 

He  believed  Katherine  to  be  a  wealthy  heiress 
of  Sir  John  Penwick,  who  was  being  held  as 
hostage  at  some  point  in  America.  At  her  mar- 
riage her  estates  would  be  placed  in  her  own 
hands.  All  these  things  Lady  Constance  could 
vouch  for,  as  she  had  read  the  letter  herself  that 
Sir  John  had  written  Lord  Cedric.  Mistress 
Penwick  was  at  a  marriageable  age,  and  her 
father  being  ill  and  hopelessly  bound  by  ties  of 
war  never  expected  to  see  her  again  and  had 
made  provision  for  her  future  happiness.  Know- 
ing these  things,  and  being  in  love  beside  with 
so  beautiful  and  youthful  creature,  Cantemir  was 
well-nigh  mad  to  win  her,  without  any  urging 
from  Constance. 

On  the  other  hand,  Mistress  Penwick  never 
forgot  his  slender  grace  and  pale,  patrician  fea- 
tures, as  she  beheld  him  first  upon  the  stairway 


158  Mistress  Pen  wick 

the  evening  of  her  arrival.  He  had  ingratiated 
himself  into  all  her  thoughts  of  music  and  court 
life  and  religious  duties.  Being  like  her  a  Cath- 
olic, he  sat  by  the  hour  and  spoke  of  their  ill 
usage  by  the  nobles  of  England,  and  insinuated 
that  the  cavaliers  (Lord  Cedric  being  one,  of 
course)  were  combined  to  rout  out  the  Catholics 
and  confiscate  all  their  properties,  both  public 
and  private. 

At  one  time  Lady  Constance  said  to  Katherine 
that  her  father,  Sir  John,  was  an  Episcopalian 
and  she  had  made  answer, — "  'Twould  be  absurd 
to  suppose  him  anything  else  than  a  Catholic." 
Upon  this,  Constance  spoke  to  Adrian,  and  he, 
casually  as  it  were,  asked  Mistress  Penwick  if 
she  were  not  afraid  her  demesne  would  be  seized 
by  the  Protestants.  Thus  she  had  come  gradu- 
ally to  know  of  the  chasm  between  the  two  great 
religious  orders,  and  had  even  written  her  father 
of  the  dangers  in  which  she  believed  she  was 
placed.  These  letters  of  course  were  kept  by 
Janet.  The  seals  remained  unbroken  and  the 
missives  were  carefully  laid  aside  until  Mistress 
Penwick  should  know  the  truth.  And  neither 
she  nor  Janet  receiving  news  from  him,  stirred 
her  to  confide  her  fears  to  Cantemir,  who  ques- 
tioned her  of  the  letter  which  her  father  wrote, 
bidding  her  to  depart  for  England.  She  became 
startled  and  uneasy,  when  she  remembered  that 
Janet  had  refused  to  show  her  the  letter  and 


Jacques  Dempsy  159 

having  promised  herself  to  Cantemir  in  marriage, 
she  spoke  of  the  matter  to  him.  But  her  love  of 
and  confidence  in  Janet  was  deeper  than  she 
thought,  and  at  his  first  words  against  her,  she 
fell  from  him.  He  said  'twas  possible  Janet, 
being  so  great  a  Protestant,  she  would  undoubt- 
edly take  his  Lordship's  part  against  her,  should 
any  serious  trouble  arise.  He  even  went  so  far 
as  to  suggest  that  perhaps  there  was  a-foot  a  ruse 
to  get  from  her  those  possessions  her  father  had 
written  of.  Katherine  rebelled  at  these  insinua- 
tions and  thought  that  "  dear,  good,  sweet  Janet 
would  never  take  a  pin  from  her  Lambkin  to 
save  Church  or  State.  And  Lord  Cedric,  too, 
even  though  he  would  condemn  his  servant,  he 
would  never  take  her  property,  he  loved  her  too 
well  for  that ;  beside,  he  was  a  gentleman  of 
honour,  even  though  his  evil  temper  did  goad 
him  to  fearful  deeds."  She  tried  to  make  her- 
self believe  that  she  truly  loved  Cantemir,  and 
'twas  her  religious  duty  to  marry  him ;  but  when 
he  spoke  either  against  Cedric  or  Janet,  she  was 
quite  sure  she  hated  him. 

In  pursuance  of  Lady  Constance'  diplomacy, 
she  had  assisted  Cantemir  in  arranging  the  ren- 
dezvous for  himself  first,  and  finally  for  Chris- 
topher, who  was  to  escape  with  provision  for  a 
long  journey,  as  'twas  not  certain  what  Lord 
Cedric  would  do  if  he  found  him  at  the  monas- 
tery. And  Katherine  had  this  night  pledged  to 


160  Mistress  Penwick 

wed  the  count  in  three  days'  time.  Even  as  they 
were  arranging  their  plans  Cantemir's  valet  had 
rushed  to  him  saying  that  his  Lordship's  page 
had  come  to  his  apartments,  and  finding  him 
gone  his  master  had  vowed  death  to  any  who 
would  intrigue  at  such  hours  with  his  promised 
wife.  Cantemir,  a  polished,  hollow-hearted,  self- 
ish sycophant  and  coward,  made  more  so  per- 
haps by  Constance'  influence  over  him,  at  Kath- 
erine's  command,  as  it  were,  had  taken  flight. 

Constance  listened  eagerly  the  next  morning, 
as  she  sat  'neath  her  maid's  hands,  to  every 
detail  of  the  evening's  adventure ;  but  her  dis- 
appointment at  such  mischance  was  greatly  al- 
layed by  the  unexpected  presence  of  Sir  Julian 
Pomphrey.  He  was  second  only  to  Lord  Cedric 
in  her  affections.  Her  greatest  desire  was  to 
gain  his  Lordship's  love ;  if  she  could  not  have 
that,  then  she  would  try  for  the  king's  favour 
whereby  she  would  be  able  to  live  at  court  and 
be  ever  near  Sir  Julian,  whose  mistress  she  had 
been  and  might  be  again. 

She  had  begun  well  to  bombard  for  the  ac- 
complishment of  her  first  desire. 

As  soon  as  possible  she  rode  forth,  passing 
beyond  Crandlemar  village,  where  a  short  way 
from  its  confines  she  came  upon  a  certain  inno- 
cent-looking tree  that  had  some  six  feet  above 
its  broad  trunk  a  loosened  knot,  which  could 
be  removed  at  will.  She  plucked  it  forth  and 


Jacques  Dempsy  161 

looked  within.  It  was  empty  and  barren  of 
even  a  bird's  nest.  Constance  had  no  compas- 
sion for  its  loneliness  when  she  laid  therein  a 
small,  white  piece  of  paper  and  filled  the  orifice 
with  the  rough  knot.  She  rode  away  content 
and  doubting  not  that  Count  Cantemir  would 
soon  have  her  letter. 

He  had  halted  some  five  leagues  beyond 
Crandlemar  at  an  inn  remote  from  the  highway, 
the  landlord  of  which  was  a  monk,  dissembling 
his  name  to  Jacques  Dempsy  of  the  Cow  and 
Horn,  and  his  religion  to  anything  that  was  the 
king's  pleasure. 

The  two  sat  in  the  deserted  drinking-room ; 
their  heads  bent  together  and  speaking  in  sub- 
dued tones.  Cantemir's  hand  rested  upon  his 
leg,  that  had  been  freshly  washed  and  bound  by 
the  landlord. 

Sir  Julian's  sword-prick  had  goaded  Cantemir 
to  an  anger  that  was  'suaged  neither  by  good  old 
wine  nor  the  council  of  the  monk.  He  fretted 
for  an  opportunity  to  thrust  his  assailant  in  the 
back — anywhere.  "Surely,"  said  he,  "the  day 
is  not  far  when  I  shall  kill  that  devil  Pomphrey." 
His  groom  had  seen  Sir  Julian  full  in  the  face  at 
a  small  opening  in  the  trees. 

"  Sh  !  "  said  Dempsy,  "  there  is  other  work  for 
thee  now.  'Tis  best  for  thee  to  bide  here  awhile, 
at  least  until  a  courier  shall  return  from  the 
tree,  where  thou  sayest  thy  cousin  will  place  the 


162  Mistress  Penvvick 

billet.  And  if  everything  is  well,  then  there 
will  be  found  for  thee  a  guide  to  lead  thee 
through  the  forest  to  the  monastery,  where  thou 
shalt  first  sign  thyself  for  the  strict  carrying  out 
of  our  plans ;  then  thou  shalt  be  wed,  if  there  is 
no  remissness,  and  carried  safely  to  London, 
where  thou  shalt  remain  until  thy  lady  has  audi- 
ence, and  gains  that  we  seek  of  the  King.  Ah ! 
there  are  times  when  we  sigh  and  almost  weep 
for  those  good  old  ^ro-Reformation  days,  when 
such  ecclesiastical  bodies  as  ours  took  their  griev- 
ances to — Rome.  Bah  !  to  have  to  bribe  a  prof- 
ligate king  for — the  signing  of  his  name.  What 
does  he  know  about  bequests  and  inheritances  — 
The  count  started  and  Dempsy  all  alert  broke 
in  with, — "and  freeholds.  Thou  dost  know, 
count,  the  monastery  is  a  freehold  in  the  very 
centre  of  Lord  Cedric's  lands  ;  but — I  am  telling 
secrets ;  forget  what  I  said."  The  count  fell 
back  listlessly,  a  gap  made  in  his  thoughts  by  the 
sudden  disappearance  of  a  clue. 

"Charles  treats  us  as  mendicants;  but  if  he 
should  chance  to  see  the  coffers  of  our  order,  he 
would  know  we  had  received  something  else  be- 
side a  crust  for  shriving."  The  count  looked  up 
again  so  quickly,  Dempsy  caught  himself  and 
wondered  what  he  had  been  saying,  and  what 
his  last  words  were ;  for  he  had  been  thinking 
aloud,  as  it  were. 

"  Aye,  aye,  I  was  saying  if  Charles  could  see 


Jacques   Dempsy  163 

the  riches  of  our  coffers,  he  would  know  the  sale 
of  Indulgences  had  not  been  a  little.  Thou  seest, 
count,  we  have  here  at  the  monastery  great  treas- 
ure, our  coffers  are  filled  with  priceless  articles 
of  virtue  that  will,  no  doubt,  be  carried  to  Rome 
and  be  laid  in  the  reliquary  of  Santa  Maria  Mag- 
giore  or  St.  Andrew  Corsini  or  St.  Peters.  "We 
have  some  priceless  bones  — "  Adrian  shuddered 
and  relaxed  his  attention — "  they  have  brought 
us  great,  good  fortune ;  we  have  bits  of  clothing 
— thou  dost  well  know  most  of  the  saints  were 
plainly  attired— that  some  day  will  be  worth 
much,  perhaps  not  in  my  day  nor  thine,  but 
when  age  comes,  when  we  grow  a  little  further 
from  the  saints.  Ah !  I  see,  thou  hast  not  much 
interest  in  my  converse — treasure  is  nothing  to 
thy  love-sick  heart,  eh  !  count  ?  " 

"  Nay,  not  dead  men's  bones,  indeed  thou  hast 
rare  wine  for  such  cumbrous  relics  that  can  be 
turned  to  naught !  And  didst  thou  shrive  the 
saint  for  the  use  of  his  bones  a  hundred  years 
hence?" 

"Thou  art  growing  facetious,  count.  Dost 
think  of  no  virtue  but  thy  maid's?  And  art 
thou  sure  she  will  not  fall  back  from  her  promise 
to  thee  ?  " 

Cantemir,  filled  with  his  own  ideas,  gave  per- 
functory acquiescence  and  continued  in  his  own 
line  of  thought.  And  what  Avith  a  busy  brain 
that  was  not  over-strong,  and  a  ride  of  some 


164  Mistress  Pen  wick 

length  and  dampness,  with  a  sore  leg,  he  became 
feverish  and  the  monk  took  him  to  bed  in  great 
haste,  where  he  remained  for  the  best  part  of  a 
week ;  the  seriousness  of  his  disease  not  a  little 
augmented  by  the  desire  for  immediate  action. 


CHAPTER  XII 

CASTLE   AND   MONASTERY 

THE  next  morning  after  Christopher's  sudden 
disaster,  the  castle  seemed  to  have  awakened 
from  a  long  apathy.  The  servants  clattered  un- 
der breath  of  their  wounded  fellow.  The  ar- 
rival of  his  Grace  of  Ells  wold's  physicians  held 
gossip  in  the  castle  in  abeyance,  as  all  were  anx- 
ious of  their  decision ;  but  the  presence  of  Sir 
Julian  seemed  to  fill  the  sails  of  the  becalmed 
household  with  a  stiff  breeze,  which  at  a  favour- 
able moment  would  raise  anchor  and  fly  forth  on 
a  joyous  sea. 

The  physicians  gave  out  that  there  was  no  im- 
mediate danger,  but  his  illness  was  serious  and 
there  must  neither  be  noise  nor  excitement.  It 
was  out  of  the  question  to  move  his  Grace  either 
to  his  own  estates  or  elsewhere  for  baths  or  sea 
air. 

Lord  Cedric  and  Sir  Julian  sat  with  him  an 
hour  after  the  doctor's  examination,  Sir  Julian, 
conversing  of  the  freshest  gossip  at  court,  with- 
out the  usual  condiment  of  inflammables  which 
would  be  apt  to  rouse  his  Grace  not  a  little. 

There  being  noAv  no  traitor — unless  perchance 
165 


166  Mistress  Penwick 

Constance  might  be  termed  one — in  the  house, 
and  no  danger  of  Mistress  Penwick  being  left 
without  the  close  surveillance  of  Janet,  she  was 
no  longer  kept  prisoner.  And,  while  she  was 
greatly  wrought  upon  by  the  sad  havoc  of  the 
previous  night,  her  youth  and  gay  spirits  and 
Janet's  exhortations  upon  the  age,  giving  license 
to  all  sorts  of  uprisings  and  display  of  temper 
and  unwarranted  vengeance,  somewhat  quieted 
her,  and  she  arose  as  sprightly  as  ever,  all  the 
more  determined  to  free  herself  from  Lord 
Cedric.  If  she  had  stopped  for  self-analysis,  she 
would  have  found  that  she  was  bent  on  gaining 
her  independence  at  no  matter  what  cost;  re- 
gardless of  consequences.  That  her  desire  was 
more  of  adventure  than  ambition.  And  she  also 
would  have  found  that  she  cared  naught  for 
Cantemir  and  a  very  great  deal  for  Lord  Cedric. 
She  had  never  given  thought  to  a  separation 
from  her  beloved  Janet ;  while  even  classing  her 
as  antagonistic  to  her  desires,  she  never  ceased  to 
love  her ;  for  this  woman  had  made  herself  a 
mother  in  every  respect,  aye,  even  more  watchful 
and  exacting.  While  acting  in  a  servant's  ca- 
pacity, doing  the  most  menial  of  service,  she  de- 
veloped in  the  maid  those  seemingly  trifling 
motives  of  mind  and  soul  which  in  the  end  make 
up  the  character  of  a  life ;  and  very  few  mothers 
ever  have  the  tact  to  so  understand  these  very 
minute  details  that  so  develop  a  child's  passion. 


Castle  and  Monastery  167 

Janet  had  ever  developed  in  her  charge  an  incli- 
nation for  all  beauty ;  not  failing,  however,  to 
show  wherein  weakness  crept ;  where  grace  of 
countenance  oft  screened  defect  of  character. 
Indeed  this  maid  was  one  of  Janet's  own  crea- 
tion, save  in  flesh  and  blood,  and  no  one  knew 
any  better  than  she,  herself,  the  vanity  to  rout 
the  faults  and  frailties  inherited.  She  strove  the 
harder  to  overthrow  such  imperfections  by  per- 
fecting and  cultivating  the  maid's  receptive 
mood.  She  was  ever  fencing  with  her  in  words, 
working  out  in  detail  exchange  of  thought 
wherein  Katherine  might,  if  'twere  in  her,  make 
a  clever  reply.  At  times  Mistress  Penwick  would 
pick  up  such  threads  of  Janet's  teaching  as  would 
bring  her  to  a  semblance  of  conscience  of  present 
environment,  and  she  would  see  in  a  vague  way 
the  right  and  wrong  of  things.  For  the  moment 
she  would  read  all  in  Cantemir's  handsome  face 
that  it  masqued  and  would  turn  from  it  only  to 
become  lost  in  contemplation  of  what  life  would 
be  if  she  were  free  from  Cedric's  guardianship, 
never  thinking  of  the  greater  bondage  of  espous- 
ing a  knave.  Ever  and  anon  her  eyes  sought  the 
young  lord  of  the  castle,  forgetting  she  was  his 
ward — and  there  would  come  to  her  such  a  feel- 
ing of  overwhelming  conviction  she  was  for  the 
moment  submerged  in  ecstasy,  and  with  the  hot 
blush  still  upon  her  face  she  would  flee  from  him 
as  if  he  were  an  evil  tempter,  He  brought  her 


168  Mistress  Pen  wick 

near  to  that  great  unknown,  upon  Avhose  threshold 
she  stood  trembling  and  expectant,  eager  to  know 
what  was  before  her.  And  so,  not  understanding 
her  own  mind,  and  being  of  such  tender  years, 
drifted  along  with  the  tide  that  was  carrying  her 
to  destruction.  Her  mind  was  set  upon  her  own 
way,  and  sheer  perversity  deigned  not  to  let  her 
see  the  hands  stretched  toward  her. 

The  afternoon  sun  fell  aslant  the  black  oak 
parquetry  where  sat  her  Grace  of  Ells  wold,  Lady 
Constance  and  Mistress  Penwick,  engaged  with 
limning  and  embroidery.  Lord  Cedric  and  Sir 
Julian  entered,  attired  in  the  most  modish  foppery 
of  the  time.  The  latter  was  saying,  as  he 
soundly  rapped  his  pouncet-box, — 

"  His  demeanour  is  too  provincial,  too  provin- 
cial— ah ! "-  -  and  he  bent  low  with  grave  for- 
mality to  Mistress  Penwick  as  Cedric  presented 
him  ;  then  turning  to  the  duchess  continued, — 
"  I  was  saying,  your  Grace,  that  Dryden  is  pro- 
vincial in  his  demeanour,  when  compared  to  his 
Grace  of  Buckingham." 

"Indeed,  Julian,  thou  dost  speak  lightly  of 
such  gigantic  genius ;  beside,  'twould  not  be  fair 
to  compare  sun  and  moon ;  and  how  could  we  do 
without  either  the  one  or  the  other  ?  " 

"  To  which  dost  thou  comparison  his  Grace  ?  " 

"  The  moon,  of  course  !  "  said  the  Duchess. 

"  And  to  what  planet  is  my  lord  a  satellite  ?  " 

"  Nay,  I  know  not ;  thou  dost  question  of  one 


Castle  and  Monastery  169 

who  knows  little  of  astronomy  ;  but  I  think  per- 
haps Mars,  as  the  planet  doth  resemble  earth 
more  closely  than  any  other." 

"  Bravo,  'tis  a  rare  simile ;  and  I  take  it  thou 
didst  speak  in  derogation ; — no  matter  how  true 
the  inuendo,  it  is  ever  the  material  we  most  ap- 
preciate and  enjoy,  and  the  sun  being  nearly 
ninety-three  million  miles  from  the  earth,  'tis  too 
remote  to  be  interesting." 

"Indeed,  Julian,  Dryden  in  five  minutes'  con- 
verse will  stir  one  to  seriousness  by  his  fancy,  to 
tears  by  his  pathos,  and  to  thoughts  of  deity  by 
his  sublimity." 

"'Tis  only  a  great,  good,  noble  nature  like 
thine  that  could  be  so  stirred ;  believe  me,  your 
Grace,  thou  didst  dissemble  these  emotions  from 
pure  charity." 

"Well,  well,  we  must  all  admit  that  'tis  not 
his  character  that  commands  our  respect  and 
esteem,  but  his  prose  and  poesy.  We  all  love 
Buckingham,  but  in  our  appreciation  of  him  we 
must  not  exclude  reason  and  put  him  before  all 
others," — and  her  Grace  turned  abruptly  to  Mis- 
tress Pen  wick.  "  Here  is  an  admirer  of  Dry- 
den's  compositions,  she  clings  pertinaciously  and 
with  all  the  ardour  of  strong  youth  to  his  satire 
of  *  Absalom  and  Achitophel,'  although  'tis  a 
bitter  lampoon  on  Monmouth  and  Shaftesbury ; 
two  men  she  heartily  admires."  Sir  Julian  leant 
over  the  Duchess  and  spoke  softly, — 


1YO  Mistress  Pen  wick 

"  I  was  not  aware  Mistress  Pen  wick  had  been 
presented  ?  "  And  his  keen  eyes  scanned  every 
lineament  of  her  face  and  mould.  Lord  Cedric 
was  watching  askance,  and  his  face  grew  red 
with  a  stroke  of  passion  as  he  noted  Sir  Julian's 
look  of  evident  admiration,  and  jealousy  for  a 
moment  swept  the  young  lord's  heart,  and  he 
cursed  in  thought  the  wicked  feeling  that  in 
connection  with  his  noble  friend  could  predicate 
of  naught  but  the  foul  fiends.  Indeed,  so  open 
were  Sir  Julian's  glances  that  the  maid  herself 
became  confused  and  said,  with  some  embarrass- 
ment,— 

"My  imagination  is  ofttime  profligate,  and  I 
indulge — in  fancy — in  exchange  of  word  and 
thought  with  those  great  and  exalted  personages 
whose  noble  compeers  I  have  the  good  fortune 
to  consort  with  daily."  And  she  laid  her  hand 
caressingly  upon  the  Duchess'  arm. 

"  Then  'twould  serve  thee  greatly  to  place  thee 
within  the  shadow  of  Whitehall,  aye,  Mistress  ?  " 

"  'T  would  be  a  great  happiness,  Sir  Julian." 

"  Dost  know  of  any  greater,  my  lady  ?  "  It 
seemed  his  eyes  would  pierce  her  very  soul. 

"  I  must  admit  it ;  I  have  a  great  desire,"  and 
her  face  grew  rose-hued  and  her  heart  fluttered 
with  the  bold  words  she  was  about  to  utter  — 

"  Ah,  thou  dost  wish  for,  or  have  a  desire  to 
enter  the  — 

"  The  distinguished  service  of  a  Lady  of  Hon- 


Castle  and  Monastery  171 

our."  As  one  looked  upon  her  great  beauty, 
'twas  a  wonder  she  was  not  born  a  queen. 

Upon  hearing  the  maid's  words,  Constance  in 
jealous  rage  fell  to  inordinate  laughter  and  shook 
her  work  to  the  floor,  and  as  Lord  Cedric  stooped 
to  regain  it  he  whipped  out, — 

"And  why,  pray,  art  thou  so  amused;  'tis 
most  like  Julian  to  promote  this  idea,  and  she 
will  straightway  wish  to  leave  us.  I  am  sure 
one  glimpse  of  her  would  set  the  whole  court  on 
fire." 

"  Such  startling  metaphor,  unless  indeed  thou 
dost  allude  to  the  colour  of  her  hair ! "  She 
spoke  with  so  much  malice  and  hate  Lord  Cedric 
was  stirred  to  amazement,  and  for  the  first  time 
his  eyes  were  opened  to  Constance'  hate  of  one 
whom  he  loved  beyond  all  else  on  earth.  He 
had  thought  her  merely  jealous  of  the  maid,  but 
now  he  saw  'twas  hatred. 

Sir  Julian  paid  no  heed  to  aught  save  Mistress 
Penwick's  brave  colour  as  it  came  and  went,  and 
the  fervour  of  her  eyes  as  they  looked  into  his. 
He  came  nearer  to  being  shaken  than  ever  be- 
fore in  his  twenty  odd  years  of  slow  and  fast 
living. 

"  If  I  might  be  so  honoured  by  the  privilege,  I 
would  present  thy  desire  straightway  to  the 
Duchess  here,  who  would  no  doubt  place  thee  at 
once  at  court."  Mistress  Pen  wick  arose,  unable 
to  contain  her  perturbed  spirit,  and  said, — 


172  Mistress  Pen  wick 

"Sir  Julian,  how  can  I  ever—  '  and  she 
stopped,  so  stirred  was  she  with  her  emotion ; 
very  much  as  a  child  is  wrought  to  wonderment 
by  the  sight  of  a  marvelous  toy.  Julian  offered 
his  arm,  and  they  sauntered  up  and  down  the 
room,  Sir  Julian  boldly  playing  his  part.  If 
Katherine  had  been  less  innocent,  she  might 
have  seen  that  he  was  not  sincere.  He  said : 

"  I  see  no  reason  why  thou  shouldst  not  begin 
preparation  at  once  for  thy  journey.  The  Duke 
is  progressing  finely  and  her  Grace  could  per- 
haps accompany  thee  as  well  now  as  at  another 
time.  Wilt  thou  prepare  at  once,  Mistress  Pen- 
wick  ? "  If  the  king  had  already  sent  for  her, 
he  could  not  have  talked  with  more  confidence ; 
but  there  was  something  he  must  know.  As  he 
insisted  on  an  immediate  journey,  she  turned 
scarlet,  and  bit  her  lip,  and  frowned. 

"There  are  a  few  matters  I  must  see  to;  I 
could  hardly  leave  within  a  week ; — there  is  no 
hurry ! " 

"  On  the  contrary  there  is  a  great  hurry,  for  I 
must  leave  at  once,  and  I  would  escort  thee.  I 
think  I  shall  leave  by  dawn  to-morrow."  Kath- 
erine's  brow  puckered  still  more  as  she  stood 
upon  the  seesaw  of  duty  and  ambition,  perplexed 
to  know  which  way  to  turn.  It  appeared  the 
better  quality  was  innate  and  her  brow  cleared, 
as  she  said, — 

"  'T would    be  impossible   to  go   so  soon.     I 


Castle  and  Monastery  173 

could  not  ask  her  Grace  to  leave  when  the 
Duke  is  so  ill ;  for,  beside  a  long  journey,  much 
time  might  be  required  ere  I  should  be  pre- 
sented. I  must  have  time — a  lady  should  have 
a  great  number  to  attend  her " 

"  Thou  hast  a  host  in  thy  nurse,  Janet ;  she  is 
quite  enough  for  the  journey,  and  at  London 
there  will  be  a  matron  for  each  finger  of  thy 
hand.  I  can  see  no  reason  why  thou  shouldst 
not  start  at  once,  if  the  Duchess  so  decides." 
They  were  quite  alone  now,  and  Katherine,  be- 
ing well  cornered  and  being  young  and  given  to 
confiding,  felt  so  irresistibly  drawn  toward  this 
man  at  her  side,  she  looked  up  into  his  face  and 
said, — 

"  Canst  thou  not  guess,  after  all  thou  didst  see 
last  night,  why  I  am  kept  from  going  ?  " 

"  I  cannot ;  methinks  'twould  be  a  happy  mo- 
ment to  say  adieu  to  such  scenes." 

"  Then  thou  dost  not  know  I  am  to  wed  Count 
Cantemir,  Lady  Constance'  cousin  ?  " 

"  I  think  thy  heart  an  alien  to  love ;  for  if 
thou  wouldst  sooner  become  a  Lady  of  Honour 
than  wed  one  to  whom  thou  hast  'trothed  thy- 
self, 'tis  sure  thou  hast  no  love ;  'tis  caprice  or — 
what  one  wills  to  call  it,  and  thou  hadst  better 
fly  from  a  marriage  that  has  not  love  in  it." 

"  But  I  know  not  what  to  do.  I  have  given 
my  promise  to  wed,  and  I  want  to  go  to  London." 

"  Then  I  beg  to  assist  thee  to  thy  heart's  desire 


174  Mistress  Penwick 

as  soon  as  thou  hast  found  what  its  desire  is ; 
and  I  insist  thou  dost  examine  the  weather-vane 
of  thy  mind  and  discern  its  bent.  I  am  by  thy 
side,  groping  in  darkness  for  that  thou  wouldst 
have.  I  am  bound  to  serve  thee." 

"  Sir  Julian,  thou  dost  nonplus  my  understand- 
ing of  myself  absurdly.  I  agree  I  have  more 
minds  than  one,  and  'tis  disconcerting  to  try  in 
haste  to  ascertain  which  is  the  best.  Indeed,  I 
do  not  wish  to  make  a  false  step  and  do  that 
'twould  make  me  sorry  ever  after." 

"  'Twould  be  well  to  have  one  to  guide  thee  in 
thine  uncertainty.  I  should  aspire  to  such  an 
office  with  alacrity,  if  thou  wouldst  but  give  me 
one  encouraging  glance."  For  a  moment  they 
looked  into  each  other's  eyes,  then  Katherine's 
lids  dropped  and  she  became  as  clay  in  his  hands. 
And  before  she  was  aware,  she  had  told  him  all 
things.  These  matters  were  not  altogether  new 
to  Sir  Julian,  for  Lord  Cedric  had  discoursed  at 
length  upon  them,  but  the  nucleus  he  sought  was 
found,  and  he  listened  perfunctorily  to  all  else, 
feasting  his  eyes  upon  her  face  and  listening  only 
to  the  music  of  her  voice. 

"  Then  why,  may  I  ask,  didst  thou  discard 
Cedric's  suit  ?  " 

"  He  is  tyrannical  and  cruel,  and  even  though 
my  heart  should  incline  toward  him,  'twould 
not  be  meet  for  me  to  wed  with  one  of  another 
faith." 


Castle  and  Monastery 

"  'Tis  possible  thou  couldst  win  him  to  thy  way 
of  thinking." 

"  Nay,  I  should  not  try  it ;  for  I  have  cast  all 
thought  of  him  aside." 

"  Then  thou  dost  acknowledge  having  had  a 
tenderness  for  him  ?  'Tis  well  thou  dost  so  fling 
him  aside,  he  is  unworthy  of  thy  consideration." 

"  Not  so  ;  he  is  most  noble,  but — but — I  know 
not  what, — he  is  haughty  and  full  of  temper  and 
given  to  harsh  language 

"  Yet  he  is  not  a  fit  companion  for  thee,  sayest 
thou?" 

"  Thou  dost  greatly  misunderstand  me ;  he  is 
on  the  contrary  a  most  delightful  person  to  con- 
verse with  and  every  whit  fit  to  be  a  King ; — 
but  we  are  not  suited  to  each  other." 

"Was  it  not  thy  father's  desire  for  thee  to 
soon  wed  and  to  this  man  ?  " 

"  Even  so  ;  but  he  knew  not  my  Lord  Cedric 
but  his  father ;  beside  — 

"Well " 

"  I  am  expecting  to  hear  from  my  father  in 
the  near  future  — 

"Ah!" 

" and  'tis  possible  he  will  come  to  me  or 

send  and  make  some  change.  I  have  asked  him  to 
appoint  another  guardian  for  me  and  my  estates." 

"  'Twould  be  a  wise  thing  to  do,  no  doubt ; 
but  'tis  possible  Cedric  has  used  already  thine  in- 
heritance." Mistress  Penwick  flushed  hotly. 


176  Mistress  Penwick 

"  Nay,  thou  dost  judge  him  ill ;  he  is  above 
such  a  thing."  And  Sir  Julian  knew  what  the 
poor  maid  knew  not  herself,  and  he  felt  'twas  a 
safe  thing  to  carry  through  his  adventure. 

"  Then  there  are  two  things  that  weigh  upon 
thee.  Thou  knowest  not  whether  to  wed  or  be- 
come a  Lady  of  Honour.  I  will  warn  thee  that 
thou  must  not  dwell  long  upon  them,  for  'tis  pos- 
sible if  thou  dost  not  decide  very  early,  I  will  be 
able  to  help  thee  to  nothing  but — myself." 

Mistress  Penwick  flushed  warmly  and  smiled 
back  at  him ;  and  her  desire  for  admiration  drove 
her  on  and  on,  and  she  soon  forgot  all  else  save 
the  man  by  her  side,  and  it  appeared  that  no 
matter  how  he  tried  to  break  the  spell  of  her 
witchery,  he  could  not  leave  her  for  a  moment. 

It  fell  out  that  before  three  days  had  passed, 
they  were  deep  in  admiration  of  each  other. 
Cedric  was  racked  by  doubt  and  fear,  yet  never 
for  an  instant  letting  go  his  faith  in  Julian. 
Constance  was  happy  that  Katherine  was  so  di- 
verted, keeping  thereby  Cedric  from  any  rash 
moves,  and  giving  herself  time  to  visit  the  tree 
that  often  held  so  much  of  importance.  And  she 
managed  to  outwit  the  ubiquitous  Janet  and 
hailed  with  joy  the  day  of  the  great  battle  when 
Mistress  Penwick  was  to  be  removed  from  her 
pathway  forever. 

The  disappearance  of  Adrian  Cantemir  was 
not  spoken  of — as  if  'twere  a  matter  of  too  small 


import ; — and  yet  he  hovered  ominously  in  their 
minds ;  and  Katherine  most  of  all  desired  to  for- 
get her  promise  and  every  word  she  had  spoken 
to  him,  and  Constance  understood  and  would  not 
let  her  forget,  planning  night  and  day  to  bring 
them  together  again.  .  .  . 

To  look  back  from  the  lower  terrace  at  the  cas- 
tle was  to  see  a  gorgeous  display  of  blossom.  The 
ivy-clad  walls  stood  a  rich  background  to  the 
splendour  of  tinted  flower.  Indeed,  the  scene 
appeared  not  unlike  an  enormous  nosegay  lying 
upon  a  hill  of  moss.  The  night  had  brought 
showers,  and  from  every  minute  projection  of 
twig,  leaf  or  petal  glistened  limpid  drops,  some 
swelling  with  honey  and  falling  like  dew  upon 
the  young  sward.  The  birds  twittered  cease- 
lessly, and  some  young  thing  preening  upon  a  light 
blossomy  twig  scattered  down,  anon,  perfume 
upon  some  shy  young  fawn,  and  he  leapt  away 
frightened  by  so  dainty  a  bath  and  plunged  knee- 
deep  in  crystal  pools  and  sent  the  stately  swans 
skimming  hurriedly  to  a  quiet  and  sheltered  cove. 

From  the  Chapel  came  indistinctly  the  sound 
of  the  organ  in  a  prelude,  it  would  seem,  to  the 
day.  'Twas  Sir  Julian's  wont  to  rise  early  and 
draw — it  may  be — inspiration  from  the  full  vi- 
brant chords  of  sweet  harmony. 

From  an  upper  casement  leant  forth  Mistress 
Penwick  with  a  face  as  delicately  tinted  as 
the  blossoms  of  the  peach  that  flaunted  their 


ITS  Mistress  Penwick 

beauty  at  some  distance.  She  appeared  to  be  ar- 
ranging violets — that  still  sparkled  with  rain- 
in  an  oblong  porcelain  box  that  lay  flat  upon  the 
casement.  Her  white  jewelled  fingers  flitted  in 
and  out  of  the  blue  depths.  Her  small  white 
teeth  were  but  half  eclipsed  and  there  fluttered 
forth  from  her  parted  lips  a  low  humming  that 
keyed  and  blended  with  the  organ.  Her  soft 
white  dress  enveloped  her  mould  loosely ;  her 
long  flowing  sleeves,  prefaced  by  rare  lace,  dis- 
playing her  pink,  round  arm.  She  wore  not  the 
look  of  care;  for  she  had  thrown  all  such  evil 
weight  upon  one  who  played  in  yonder  sacred 
shrine  so  tranquilly,  as  if  nothing  but  his  own 
sins  rested — and  they  but  feather-weight — upon 
his  soul.  On  he  played,  and  she  arranged  her 
flowers,  and  up  the  avenue  came  horses'  feet  and 
Lady  Constance  unattended  came  riding  near  the 
castle  and  called  up  to  the  vision  of  beauty  that 
leant  from  the  window, — 

"  'Tis  a  glorious  morning  for  riding  forth.  I 
have  had  a  fine  jaunt  and  met  nothing  but  the 
post-boy," — and  here  she  showed  a  billet  and 
rode  close  to  the  wall  and  hid  it  neath  the  ivy 
— "and  a  famous  adventure  which  I've  half  a 
mind  to  pursue,  after — I've  'suaged  my  hunger. 
If  I  ride  thus  every  morning,  I  shall  soon  have 
an  arm  as  pink  and  round  and  perfect  in  mould 
as  thine  own.  Hast  thou  broken  fast  ?  " 

"I   have  had  my  simple  allotment,  and  have 


been  down  on  the  lower  terraces  and  gathered 
these  violets,  and  am  now  hungry  again  and 
Janet  has  gone  for  a  wing  of  fowl  and  some 
wine."  At  these  words  Lady  Constance  looked 
about  her  cautiously  and  spoke  in  low  tones, — 

"Everything  is  ready  for  thy  flight.  I  saw 
Adrian  this  morning.  He  is  handsomer  than 
ever  and  eager  to  see  thee,  and  counts  the  hours 
'til  nightfall.  If  'tis  possible  thou  art  to  escape 
unnoticed  to  the  monastery,  where  the  nuptials 
will  be  performed  at  once,  then  thou  art  to  de- 
part immediately  for  Whitehall,  where  thou  wilt 
be  made  much  of  by  the  King  and  he  will  more 
like  detain  thy  husband  under  pretext,  and  may- 
hap offer  him  some  honour  for  the  sake  of  keep- 
ing thy  beauty  in  England." — With  a  wave  of 
the  hand  Mistress  Penwick  bade  Lady  Constance 
depart  as  Janet  stood  within  the  door. 

The  castle  was  astir  early,  as  if  there  was 
naught  but  a  glorious  day  before  them,  and  they 
\vould  make  it  of  much  length.  It  seemed  as  if 
a  great  peace  had  settled  upon  those  ivy-clad 
walls,  or  it  might  be  the  calm  that  is  the  solemn 
presage  of  storm,  and  Sir  Julian  himself  quiet 
beyond  his  wont  seemed  to  portend  the  calami- 
ties that  were  to  ensue  ;  and  after  his  breakfast 
stood  at  a  window  watching  the  dripping  trees 
and  whistling  so  softly  one  could  not  tell  whether 
'twere  he  or  the  birds  chirping  without.  Cedric 
and  Lady  Constance  played  at  battledore  and 


180  Mistress  Penwick 

shuttlecock.  Mistress  Penwick  sat  apart,  busy 
with  thought  and  needle.  His  Grace  of  Ells- 
wold  sat  up  that  morning,  his  wife  and  physi- 
cians by  his  side,  and  all  were  happy  with  the 
great  improvement. 

Meanwhile,  at  the  monastery  all  was  commo- 
tion. The  day  there  would  be  far  too  short  to 
accomplish  all  that  was  to  be  done.  Three  cou- 
riers had  arrived  since  dawn  with  important  dis- 
patches. In  the  midst  of  the  monks,  who  sat 
upon  long  benches  that  flanked  either  side  of  a 
spacious  gallery,  sat  Adrian  Cantemir,  reading 
the  last  message.  Opposite,  at  the  table,  were 
three  monks  apparently  engaged  upon  their  own 
affairs,  but  subtly  watching  the  puzzled  counte- 
nance of  their  guest.  Finally  their  patience 
seemed  to  have  run  out  and  Constantine,  the 
monk  directly  vis-a-vis  to  Cantemir,  coughed, 
cleared  his  throat  and  in  low  gutterals  said, — 

"  Thy  countenance  is  unfair ;  'tis  a  perjury  on 
thy  happy  heart."  Adrian  looked  up  with  a 
start,  so  lost  was  he  in  contemplation.  His  let- 
ter was  prophetic  of  evil,  and  he  was  afraid. 

"  'Tis  ill  news,  and  thou  wert  not  far  wrong  to 
bring  forth  thine  arms.  The  secrets  to  be  intrusted 
to  my  wife  it  seems  have  already  reached 

"  The  King  ?  "  and  with  the  words  it  appeared 
each  Abbe  was  upon  his  feet  and  leaning  forward 
intent. 

"Nay,   but  the  arch-fiends  Buckingham  and 


Castle  and  Monastery  181 

Monmouth.  And  with  the  King's  consent  they 
leave  for  a  hunting  bout  and  they  ride  hither. 
It  says  that  the  former  in  masque  saw  my  meet- 
ing this  morning  with  Lady  Constance,  and  he 
followed  and  made  love  to  her."  The  Abbes  stood 
in  utter  dismay  and  dejection.  At  last,  Dempsy 
of  the  Cow  and  Horn  began  in  deep,  full  tones 
the  first  movement  of  the  "  Kyrie  eleison,  Christe 
Eleison,  Kyrie  eleison,"  and  one  by  one  every 
voice  leapt  up  in  a  God-have-mercy,  and  the  walls 
echoed  and  without  the  birds  seemed  to  take  it 
up,  and  it  was  carried  to  a  listening  ear  not  far 
from  the  shadow  of  the  wall.  Then  the  prayer 
ceased  and  La  Fosse — half  soldier,  half  priest — 
spoke  in  ringing  tones. 

"  And  what  else  does  thy  billet  say  ?  Why  are 
we  to  be  attacked ;  are  we  not  upon  our  own 
ground  ?  " 

"  It  is  mooted  that  should  my  wife  gain  the 
King's  ear,  she  will  influence  him  to  consent  not 
only  on  this  thy  matter  but  others  of  great  im- 
portance that  now  pend.  It  is  said  that  Buck- 
ingham has  boasted  of  rare  sport  in  routing  a  full 
score  of  knaves  ;  taking  treasure  — "  Cantemir's 
eyes  swept  keenly  the  visage  of  Constantine — 
"  of  great  value,  beside  the  beauteous  maid  that 
is  to  arrive  ;  for  he  says  'tis  sure  she  will  be  worth 
as  much  to  them  as  the  King.  He  refers  to  him- 
self and  Monmouth,  who  mean  to  take  my  wife 
prisoner  this  very  night." 


182  Mistress  Pen  wick 

"  'Tis  enough,"  said  La  Fosse,  with  a  deprecat- 
ing gesture.  "We  must  put  on  the  armour  of 
strength  and  gird  ourselves  for  battle.  "We  have 
all  to  fight  for  that  that  is  honourable :  home, 
virtue  and  religion.  What  more  could  we  ask 
for  to  strengthen  us  ?  " 

"  'Tis  well  said,"  quoth  Constantine.  "  Judging 
from  thy  billet,  we  are  not  to  be  attacked  until 
the  maid  hath  arrived.  Is  it  known,  also,  at  what 
hour  she  is  to  come  ?  " 

"  If  they  know  so  much,  they  perhaps  know 
even  all." 

"  Then  we  must  hasten  the  hour  by  two,  and 
'twill  incur  no  disadvantage  save  to  bring  the 
maid  to  a  greater  discretion  and  show  of  wit ;  for 
'twill  be  harder  for  her  to  escape  at  nine  than 
eleven." 

"  Methinks  'twill  be  a  greater  task  to  warn  the 
maid  of  the  setting  forth  of  the  hour."  Adrian 
looked  up  hopefully ;  for  he  was  of  no  mind  to 
meet  his  wife  upon  the  threshold  of  a  battle,  and 
two  hours  earlier,  'twould  be  time  and  to  spare, 
and  he  spoke  out  bravely, — 

"  I'll  see  to  the  message,"  and  he  was  guilty  of 
a  low-bred  wink  at  Dempsy. 

"  Then  'twill  serve  to  set  aside  this  matter  for 
the  next,"  and  La  Fosse  looking  at  Cantemir  and 
speaking  softly  and  deferentially  bade  him  leave 
them  for  the  present. 

Adrian  left  the  room  by  the  door  he  had  en- 


Castle  and  Monastery  183 

tered  it,  and  passing  through  a  hall  re-entered 
the  chamber  that  had  been  assigned  him. 

The  Kussian,  though  a  coward,  was  wary  at 
times  and  allowed  it  to  carry  him  into  danger, 
and  as  an  example  he  changed  his  riding  garb 
for  his  cavalier  costume,  discarding  his  spurred 
boots  for  high-heeled  slippers  and  deigning  not 
to  don  coat  or  waistcoat  started  forth  in  search 
of — he  must  think  what  ?  He  was  without  serv- 
ant, as  'twas  safer  to  leave  him  at  the  Cow  and 
Horn ; — especially  one  who  has  corners  on  his 
conscience.  He  must  search  for — the  kitchen. 
This  place  was  below  stairs,  and  he  stole  this  way 
and  that  to  find  a  flight  of  steps.  Treading 
softly,  listening  intently  and  looking  ravenously 
for  opportunity  to  plunder,  for  there  was  treasure 
somewhere  about  the  monastery,  this  was  cer- 
tain, and  he  might  as  well  have  part  of  it  as 
Buckingham  and  Monmouth  to  have  it  all.  And 
in  case  of  any  mischance  and  Mistress  Penwick 
be  lost  to  him,  he  must  have  something  to  live 
upon.  Constance  would  never  forgive  him  for 
allowing  the  maid  to  escape  him,  and  conse- 
quently would  not  give  him  large  loans  as  here- 
tofore. But  if  he  should  gain  the  fair  prize,  some 
day  he  would  give  back  to  his  church  even  more 
than  he  had  taken.  As  he  thus  thought,  he  for- 
got for  a  moment  his  present  surroundings  and 
was  suddenly  reminded  by  a  touch  on  the  shoul- 
der. 


CHAPTER  XIII 

AS  NINE  TOLLED  FEOM  THE  CHAPEL  BELFEY 

HE  started  quickly  and  looked  up  shuddering, 
and  saw  a  tall,  slender  monk  with  cowl  so  drawn 
not  a  feature  could  be  seen.  The  Abbe  spoke 
low  and  hoarsely,  as  though  a  cold  prevented 
better  utterance,— 

"Whatseekestthou?" 

"  The  kitchen,"  Cantemir  answered,  with  a 
great  show  of  bravery. 

"  And  what  there  to  find,  my  young  man  ?  " 

"Pen  and  paper.  I  must  write  to  Mistress 
Pen  wick." 

"  Ah  yes,  ah  yes,  my  son.  I  had  forgotten. 
Curve  thy  sentences  to  the  point,  without  being 
so  broad  in  assertion  another  might  understand. 
Thou  hadst  better  put  it  this  way  - 

"Indeed  I  thought  I  had  my  meaning  well 
covered.  I  had  proposed  to  say  — 

"  Ah,  we  are  not  alone ;  step  this  way."  The 
monk  turned  to  a  panelling  that  gave  way  by  a 
touch,  and  to  Cantemir's  surprise  they  were  alone 
in  a  dark  and  vaulted  passage  ;  indeed  they  were 
unable  to  discern  aught.  Quickly  the  Abbe  drew 
his  companion  from  the  panelling  through  which 
they  had  passed;  and  'twas  hardly  done  when 

184 


As  Nine  Tolled  from  the  Chapel  Belfry  185 

three  monks  followed  with  lighted  candles. 
The  foremost  was  Constantine,  carrying  an  enor- 
mous bunch  of  keys.  Their  long  robes  swept 
Cantemir's  feet.  He  drew  a  quick  breath,  and  be- 
fore it  sounded  his  companion  placed  his  hand 
over  his  mouth.  Now  this  hand  smacked  not  of 
holy  mould  or  monastic  incense,  but  rather  of 
rare  perfume ;  but  Cantemir  was  frightened  and 
did  not  notice  the  worldliness  of  the  admonish- 
ing hand.  The  monks  proceeded  down  the  pas- 
sage ;  stopping  near  the  centre  they  lifted  from 
the  floor  a  trapdoor.  A  ladder  was  brought  and 
swung  down  the  opening  and  the  three  descended. 

"Now,  my  son,  thou  hadst  better  write  thy 
billet,  and  if  thou  dost  not  find  one  to  carry  it,  I 
will  be  along  directly  and  do  the  service  for  thee. 
I  must  visit  the  village  and  the  tree,  my  son. 
Now  I'll  give  thee  a  bit  of  advice.  Never  again 
go  about  looking  for  anything  where  'tis  sup- 
posed there  is  treasure.  If  it  had  not  been  for 
my  timely  interruption,  my  brothers  there  would 
have  found  thee  and  not  so  easily  forgiven  thy 
inclination  for  discovery.  Go,  go  in  peace — re- 
member always,  that  discretion  is  the  wit  of 
safety." 

Cantemir  was  frightened,  and  glad  to  get 
away,  for  he  feared  the  Abbe's  smooth  tones 
masqued  treachery,  and  he  slid  through  the 
panelling  and  in  very  earnest  sought  the  kitchen. 

The  deceitful  monk  hastened  toward  the  open 


186  Mistress  Pen  wick 

trap  and  kneeling  gazed  for  a  moment  below. 
There  came  up  a  i'oul  odour  that  made  him  flinch 
and  draw  back ;  he  drew  his  handkerchief  and 
placed  it  to  his  nose  and  leant  again  and  looked. 
There  was  a  faint  glimmer  that  showed  in  which 
direction  the  lights  were.  He  lay  flat  and  put- 
ting his  head  beneath  the  opening,  saw  the  priests 
leaning  over  a  chest.  Quickly  he  prepared  to 
descend  and  was  upon  the  second  rung  of  the 
ladder,  when  the  panelling  again  opened  and  a 
half-dozen  faces  looked  through  ;  anger  and  in- 
dignation upon  all  but  one,  and  that  was  the 
Russian's,  which  bore  joy  of  a  discovery.  He 
had  gone  to  the  refectory  with  good  intent  to 
write  his  letter ;  but  finding  a  small  company  of 
monks  gathered  there  and  they  appearing  much 
perturbed,  he  asked  the  cause.  One  said  there 
was  a  strange  Abbe  in  the  monastery,  whose 
hands  were  as  bejewelled  as  any  fop's,  and  that 
a  number  had  gone  in  search  of  him.  The  false 
monk's  hand  had  betrayed  him,  as  'twas  seen 
from  a  window  as  he  uncovered  it  to  open  the 
door.  Now  Cantemir  thought  it  a  good,  safe 
moment  to  become  a  hero  and  straightway  told 
of  his  encounter ;  saying  he  was  in  search  of  the 
refectory  and  had  lost  his  way ;  making  a 
plausible  story.  He  was  carried  forth  with  the 
party  in  search  and  now  came  toward  the  open- 
ing in  the  passage  with  drawn  sword,  his  face 
wearing  the  masque  of  bravery. 


As  Nine  Tolled  from  the  Chapel  Belfry  187 

The  man  upon  the  ladder  was  the  same  that 
had  listened  to  the  "  Kyrie  eleison  "  from  with- 
out, and  before  it  concluded  had  made  his  way 
inside :  the  Duke  of  Buckingham. 

He  jumped  like  a  cat  under  cover  of  his  pur- 
suer's noisy  entrance  and  slipped  away  from  the 
opening.  Quickly  he  drew  from  him  the  robe 
and  cowl  and  flung  them  down  upon  the  ladder 
and  drawing  his  sword  stood  waiting  and  almost 
eager  for  a  fight.  He  did  not  forget,  however, 
that  there  is  often  a  practiced  and  keen  thrust 
from  the  folds  of  a  priest's  habit.  But  they  were 
confident  the  false  Abbe  was  beneath,  and  with 
less  noise  and  more  subtleness  moved  toward  the 
opening.  As  they  did  so,  his  Grace  swung  round 
and  cautiously  approached  the  wall  wrhere  the 
panelling  was.  "Aye,  aye,"  he  heard,  as  the 
foremost  man  found  the  robe.  Straightway  they 
all  rushed  below  stair,  and  as  the  head  of  the  last 
man  disappeared,  his  Grace  went  through  the 
panelling,  and  within  five  minutes  stood  safe  in 
the  forest,  happy  with  the  knowledge  he  had 
gained. 

It  was  near  the  hour  of  five  when  Lady  Con- 
stance rode  forth  alone.  She  left  the  courtyard 
unnoticed  and  hurried  to  the  village  and  through 
it  and  on  beyond  toward  the  tree  and  passed  it 
and  galloped  some  distance  beyond,  then  seeing 
she  was  not  followed  made  a  quick  turn  and  re- 
traced. But  there  came  from  a  bend  in  the  road 


188  Mistress  Pen  wick 

a  horseman  that  rode  warily.  She  again  turned 
to  see  if  any  came,  and  seeing  no  one  stopped  at 
the  tree  and  brought  from  its  cavity  a  letter. 
As  she  replaced  the  knot,  there  was  such  a  sud- 
den sound  of  horses'  feet  behind  her  she  dropped 
the  billet  and  her  unknown  squire  leapt  from  his 
horse  to  recover  it,  and  stood  uncovered  before 
her  with  such  a  long,  low  bow  of  homage  he  had 
most  time  to  read  the  missive.  Lady  Constance 
was  flattered  and  felt  surely  that  one  with  such 
courtly  dress  and  bearing  could  be  nothing  less 
than  a  Duke  and  his  wearing  of  a  full  masque 
made  her  doubly  sure  of  it.  She  flushed  and 
reached  out  her  hand  for  the  letter  and  spoke  in 
her  most  seductive  tones, — 

"My  lord," — he  looked  up  and  saw  on  her 
pretty,  though  characterless  face  a  smile  that 
warranted  a  further  acquaintance.  He  placed 
the  letter  in  her  hand  slowly,  then  caught  her 
hand  and  held  it  firmly ;  indeed  their  hands 
touched  and  lingered  together  with  such  inten- 
tion it  conveyed  much  more  meaning  than  words. 
Constance  had  all  the  outward  show  of  a  great 
lady,  but  at  soul  she  was  putrescent.  There 
came  such  a  heartrending  sigh  from  her  cavalier 
she  spoke  in  a  most  tender  tone, — 

"  And  why  such  sighing  ?  " 

"  Is  it  not  enough,  sweet  lady  ?  " 

"  I  am  at  a  loss  ?  " 

"  Nay,  rather  'tis  I  that  am  at  loss ;   for  I 


As  Nine  Tolled  from  the  Chapel  Belfry  189 

had  sought  to  gain  thy  favour  undivided,  and  I 
meet  with  thee  only  to  give  into  thy  hands  a 
trysting  billet  that  lifts  thy  glorious  orbs  above 
me."  He  bowed  low  in  mock  humility.  Con- 
stance' heart  fluttered  at  his  ardent  words. 

"I  would  fain  know  who  thus  sues  for  a 
woman's  love ;  'tis  possible — "  He  lowered  his 
masque.  "  Ah,  his  Grace  of  Monmouth !  "  She 
well-nigh  prostrated  herself  upon  the  saddle,  in 
lieu  of  the  fine  courtesy  she  would  have  swept 
had  her  position  been  more  favourable.  His 
words — such  gloriously  sweet  words  when  ut- 
tered by  the  lips  of  a  Duke — fed  her  vanity. 
Her  face  flushed  as  she  thought  of  what  his  love 
must  be.  He  saw  his  vantage  and  drew  nearer 
— it  may  be  a  hair's  breadth  over  the  line  of  re- 
spect— indeed  'twould  have  been  an  innovation 
had  he  not  done  so,  as  the  time  warranted  noth- 
ing else  but  a  show  at  virtue. 

"  Your  Grace  finds  a  maid  that  is  heart  whole ; 
but  I  would  aid  others  to  their  desire.  I  but  act 
as  post-boy  'twixt  tree  and  castle." 

"  Thou  art  cold  and  cruel.  I  can  see  well  thou 
dost  hold  tightly  to  thy  bosom  thy  billet ;  thou 
art  afraid  'twill  betray  thee.  Thou  art  the  maid 
herself  that  doth  own  it?"  Constance  had  a 
burning  curiosity  to  know  why  Monmouth  was 
in  the  neighbourhood  of  Crandlemar,  and  though 
he  insinuated  he  had  come  purposely  to  see  her, 
yet  she  was  not  blind  and  wondered  what  di- 


190  Mistress  Pen  wick 

plomacy  she  could  use  to  gain  from  him  the  de- 
sired knowledge.  Could  it  be  possible  he  had 
come  on  behalf  of  the  King,  and  if  so,  for  what 
business  ?  The  Catholics  surely  had  not  been  so 
indiscreet  as  to  allow  their  affairs  to 'reach  the 
King's  ears  ?  And  if  so,  why  should  he  send  to 
them  ?  It  was  not  at  all  likely  any  one  knew 
of  the  monastery  so  hidden  away  in  a  dense  for- 
est. Could  it  be  that  the  beauty  of  Mistress  Pen- 
wick  had  become  notorious  at  Whitehall  and 
that  the  Duke  was  hunting  for  her  ?  These 
thoughts  passed  speedily  through  her  brain, 
while  the  ogling  Monmouth  waited  for  her  an- 
swer to  his  accusation.  She  spoke  with  a  shy 
little  twist  of  her  head,  vainly  trying  to  blush 
like  little  innocence. 

"How  can  I  hold  out  against  thee,  Duke? 
Thou  dost  steal  my  secret ;  here,  then,  read  it  for 
thyself."  With  a  lightening  glance  he  finished 
reading  what  he  had  begun  before. 

"  I  was  right,  sweet  Katherine ;  'tis  a  trysting 
letter,  and  thou  art  to  go  to  him  to-night  at  nine  ? 
Thou  shalt  not;  I'll  have  thee  for  myself." 
Now  they  had  made  a  great  mistake.  Constance 
thought  to  convince  the  Duke  she  had  no  lover. 
He  misunderstood  and  believed  her  to  be  the 
Katherine  he  had  come  after.  She,  thinking  to 
gain  his  secret,  allowed  him  to  think  so,  and 
quickly  took  up  her  new  part. 

"  Thou  dost  embarrass  me,  Duke  1 " 


As  Kine  Tolled  from  the  Chapel  Belfry  191 

"  In  very  truth,"  said  he,  "  we  have  heard  of 
thy  great  beauty  at  "Whitehall,  and  have  come 
hither  to  claim  thee  for  ourselves.  Thou  shalt 
be  my  very  own,  sweet  Katherine.  The  King 
was  about  to  send  forth  to  Crandleinar  to  enquire 
of  his  Grace  of  Ellswold.  We  asked  for  the 
service,  that  we  might  gain  sight  of  thy  rare 
beauty.  We  are  about  to  pay  our  respects  to 
the  Duke  who  lies  yonder,  and  at  the  King's  order 
bring  him  important  news.  We  have  heard, 
however,  his  condition  is  most  critical,  and  we 
cannot  see  him  until  high  noon  to-morrow,  as  the 
midday  finds  him  stronger.  And  I  must  see  thee, 
sweet  one,  again  before  the  night  is  over.  I  can- 
not wait  for  the  morrow's  noon."  He  caught 
her  hand  and  pressed  his  lips  to  it,  resting  him- 
self against  the  horse,  his  arm  thrown  carelessly 
across  Constance'  knee.  She  deemed  it  an  hon- 
our to  be  in  such  close  proximity  to  the  royal 
Duke,  and  grew  red  with  his  amorous  glances 
and  soft-spoken  words  and  the  familiarity  of  his 
arm  upon  her. 

"  Indeed,  it  doth  seem  to  me  also  like  a  very 
long  time  to  wait,"  and  she  sighed  heavily. 
At  this  Monmouth  drew  her  down  and  kissed 
her  upon  her  thin,  arrogant  lips.  She,  well- 
nigh  beside  herself,  exclaimed  in  a  thin,  high 
voice, — 

"Ah,  ah,  Duke,  thou  dost  kill  me — I  must 
hasten  away  from  thee.  I  must  go."  She  spurred 


192  Mistress  Penwick 

her  horse ;  but  the  Duke  caught  the  rein  and  held 
it  fast. 

"  Nay,  nay,  thou  shalt  not  yet  be  gone.  "Wouldst 
thou  be  so  cruel  to  leave  me  now  at  Love's  first 
onset  ?  I  will  not  have  it ! " 

"  But  I  must  hasten, — I  am  riding  alone,  and 
some  one  will  be  sent  for  me  if  I  do  not  soon  re- 
turn to  the  castle." 

"  Thou  must  give  me  promise  first,  sweet 
one ! " 

"Promise, — promise  of  what?"  and  she  lis- 
tened eagerly  to  his  next  words. 

"Dost  thou  not  covet  a  Prince's  favour?" 
Constance'  heart  fluttered  mightily,  and  she 
thought — "  A  fig  for  Cedric's  love  of  me.  He 
loves  not  at  all,  compared  with  this  man's  warm 
passion.  Cedric  loves  me  not  at  all,  anyway.  I 
will  be  a  Prince's  favourite,"  and  she  answered,— 

"  I  never  covet  that  which  is  beyond  my 
reach."  'Tis  often  a  true  thing  that  when  we  sit 
within  our  dark  and  dismal  chamber  without 
comfort,  hope  or  happy  retrospection,  there 
stands  upon  the  threshold  a  joyous  phenome- 
non of  which  we  have  never  so  much  as  dreamt 
as  being  in  existence ;  and  this  had  come  to  Con- 
stance. If  the  Duke  loved  her,  what  would  it 
matter  if  Cedric  did  love  Katherine  ?  She  could 
not  compel  him  to  love  her. 

"  Ah,  sweet  Katherine,  how  can  one  covet  that 
they  already  possess  ?  I  would  teach  thee  to  en- 


As  Nine  Tolled  from  the  Chapel  Belfry  193 

joy  all  that  such  beauty  as  thine  is  heir  to.  Thou 
wilt  come  to  me  to-night  ?  " 

"  To-night ! "  and  Lady  Constance  fairly  gasped. 

"  To-night,  fair  one,  on  the  stroke  of  nine  thou 
wilt  pass  through  the  postern  door  of  the  castle 
and  fall  into  my  arms, — here,  take  this,  sweet,  to 
pledge  thyself."  He  slipped  from  his  finger  a 
ring  of  marvellous  beauty  and  essayed  to  place  it 
upon  her  hand. 

"  Kay,  I  cannot.  I  should  be  seen  to  go  forth 
at  so  early  an  hour, — and  I  know  thee  not !  " 

"  Thou  art  not  afraid  of  me  ?  Nay,  I  am  one 
of  the  most  gentle  and  tender " 

"  But  where  wilt  thou  take  me,  your  Grace  ?  " 

"  I  will  take  thee  to  my  heart,  and  if  thou  art 
unhappy,  thou  mayest  return  when  thou  desirest; 
but  'twill  be  my  pleasure  to  keep  thee  with  me 
alway  ;  we  Avill  go  to  London."  Constance,  hav- 
ing read  the  letter,  knew  it  would  not  do  for  her 
to  leave  the  drawing-room  at  the  same  hour  with 
Katherine,  and  she  hardly  knew  what  to  do. 

"  Indeed,  I  have  no  wish  to  see  a  duel  upon  my 
Lord  Cedric's  grounds,  thou  must  come  later. 
My  love  will  perhaps  wait  an  hour, — thou  mayest 
come  at  twelve." 

"  And  allow  him  to  come  first  and  steal  thee ; 
nay,  I  protest."  Constance  felt  somewhat  dubi- 
ous. The  Duke  saw  it,  and  hastened  to  reassure 
her. 

"  If  thou  wilt  sit  near  the  window  on  the  stroke 


194:  Mistress  Penwick 

of  nine,  I  will  let  thy  lover  go  ;  but  if  thou  dost 
pass  from  my  sight,  I  will  run  the  fellow  through ; 
and  thou  mayest  come  to  me  at  twelve !  " 

To  this  Constance  agreed,  and  allowed  him  to 
place  the  ring ;  and  he  kissing  her  again  with 
fervour,  let  her  go,  exultant. 

'Twas  a  glorious,  clear,  warm  night.  The  cas- 
tle was  aglow  and  merry.  Lady  Bettie  Payne 
and  Sir  Rodger  Mac  Veigh  and  Sir  Jasper  Ken- 
worthy  and  sundry  other  shire  folk  had  come  to 
while  away  a  spring  night.  The  gentlemen  were 
playing  at  cup  and  ball ;  Lady  Constance  and 
Lady  Bettie  were  gossiping  of  Court  scandal, 
when  in  swept  her  Grace  of  Ells  wold  with  Mis- 
tress Penwick,  the  latter  such  a  vision  of  loveli- 
ness the  game  was  suspended  for  a  moment,  and 
Constance  and  Bettie  looked  up  to  see  why  all 
eyes  were  turned  from  them. 

The  maid  wore  a  pale-hued  brocade  gown  of 
sweeping  length  of  skirt,  and  short,  round  bodice 
and  low-neck  and  long  sleeves  that  tightly  en- 
cased her  plump,  pink  arms.  Her  mother's  pearls 
lay  glistening  about  her  slender  neck,  and  falling 
low  was  caught  again  by  some  caprice  of  mode 
high  where  met  sleeve  and  waist,  and  here  a  rare 
bunch  of  fragrant  violets  shone  bravely  as  a 
shoulder  knot. 

Lord  Cedric  saw  her  first,  and  was  well-nigh 
drunk  with  her  beauty,  and  he  advanced  and  bent 
low,  kissing  her  hand  that  trembled  in  his  own. 


As  Nine  Tolled  from  the  Chapel  Belfry  195 

He  raised  his  eyes  to  hers,  she  looking  fairly  at 
him  with  a  ready  smile. 

"  Kate,  Kate — "  Such  a  flood  of  emotion  came 
upon  him  he  was  bereft  of  speech.  She  looked 
at  him  surprised,  and  wondered  if  he  knew  aught. 
Could  it  be  that  Sir  Julian  had  found  out  anything 
and  had  spoken  to  Cedric  ?  She  was  sure  she 
had  kept  this  last  secret  safe  from  all  save  Con- 
stance, and  had  not  been  with  Sir  Julian  for  a 
whole  day,  fearing  he  would  find  out  by  looking 
at  her.  Nay,  he '  knew  nothing, — beside,  if  he 
did,  he  would  shield  her  from  Cedric's  anger  by 
keeping  so  great  a  secret.  And  yet  it  almost 
seemed  as  if  the  young  lord  knew  of  her  desper- 
ate act ;  'twas  written  on  his  face,  she  saw  the 
pain  upon  it ;  and  yet,  how  could  it  be  ?  These 
thoughts  flashed  through  Katherine's  brain,  and 
she  tried  to  move  from  him,  but  an  inscrutable 
presence  held  her,  and  she  felt  she  must  not  leave 
him,  perhaps  forever,  with  that  face  so  full  of 
pain,  and  she  spoke  out  a  word  she  had  never 
used  before  and  one  which  touched  his  Lordship 
as  nothing  else  could,  'twas : 

"Cedric."  He  caught  his  breath  with  sheer 
excess  of  joy,  and  bent  again  and  whispered, — 

"What,  Kate;  what  is  it?"  'Twas  enough, 
she  laughed  quietly  and  turned  to  Sir  Julian, 
who  had  come  to  her  side.  Lady  Constance  was 
not  long  in  finding  an  opportunity  to  speak  alone 
with  her. 


196  Mistress  Penwick 

"  Oh,  sweet,"  she  said.  "  I  haven't  had  a 
chance  to  talk  with  thee  of  my  adventure,"  and 
she  drew  the  maid  aside  and  began  volubly  to 
speak  of  her  encounter  of  the  early  morning. 
"  He  was  most  certainly  of  the  Court.  I  cannot 
possibly  mistake  his  manner.  Indeed,  I  am  cer- 
tain he  is  a  noble  lord,  and  no  doubt  is  here  to 
bear  Cantemir  escort — perhaps — "  and  she  leant 
close  to  Katherine — "  it  might  be  the  King  him- 
self, who  knows?"  Her  listener  flushed  and 
thought  — 

"Was  it  possible  she  was  to  receive  such 
honour,  and  why  not?"  She  had  heard  from 
Constance  and  Cantemir  himself  that  his  house 
was  a  very  wealthy  and  important  one  in  Kussia 
and  that  the  English  royalty  and  nobles  made 
much  of  him.  She,  with  her  poor  knowledge  of 
the  world,  thought  Constance  spoke  truth. 

"  I'll  tell  thee  why  I  thought  he  was  the  King. 
He  was  the  form,  grace  and  elegance  of  his  Royal 
Highness  and  kept  his  masque  securely  tied.  I'm 
sure  it  was  he.  And  this  evening, — ah,  ah,  how 
can  I  ever  tell  thee,  Katherine,  the  honour  I  felt ! 
Indeed  we  do  not  know  how  important  Adrian 
is  until  we  see  those  with  whom  he  consorts.  To- 
night I  met — who  dost  guess  it  was,  Katherine  ?" 

"  Nay,  I  could  never  guess,  for  I  know  not 
whom  Adrian's  friends  are ;  but  if  thy  friend  of 
the  morning  was  the  King,  'tis  certain  the  setting 
sun  brings  thee  one  less  titled." 


As  Nine  Tolled  from  the  Chapel  Belfry  197 

"  'Tis  so,  but  one  who  may  be  a  King.  Thou 
wilt  never  tell,  Katherine  ?  " 

"Nay,  never." 

"  'Twas  the  King's  son,  his  Grace  the  Duke  of 
Monmouth." 

"  Ah,  ah,  a  Prince !  Thou  art  indeed  favoured. 
And  how  came  it  about  ?  I  am  very  curious." 
Lady  Constance  related  part  of  her  interview 
with  the  Duke,  embellished  and  with  many  de- 
viations — 

"  He  said  they  were  to  be  at  the  monastery  as 
witnesses  and  intimated  that  the  King  had  heard 
of  thy  wonderful  beauty  and  grew  so  impatient 
to  see  thee  he  must  either  come  himself  or  send 
some  one  he  could  trust.  Monmouth  said  thy  re- 
quest was  already  granted  in  the  King's  mind, 
and  he  only  waited  to  see  thee  to  give  it  utter- 
ance. Thou  dost  know  what  a  good  Catholic  he 
is,  and  hearing  they  were  to  send  thee  to  ask  cer- 
tain things  of  his  clemency,  he  has  sent  the 
Duke  with  other  special  guard  to  render  speed 
and  safety  to  thy  journey  to  Whitehall,  where 
great  honour  will  be  shown  Adrian's  fair  bride." 
Constance  so  entered  into  the  very  soul  of  her 
lies,  she  half  believed  them  as  she  gave  them 
utterance. 

The  young  maid  was  well-nigh  beside  herself 
with  pleasure  at  the  honours  that  were  to  attend 
her,  and  she  gave  up  all  idea  of  a  backward  step. 
And  when  Constance  proclaimed  she  was  to  ac- 


198  Mistress  Pen  wick 

company  her,  her  heart  leapt  up  with  joy.  She 
gave  no  place  to  doubt  now,  'twas  an  unknown 
quantity,  and  her  voice  trembled  as  she  said  — 

"  It  makes  me  perfectly  content,  if  thou  art  to 
accompany  me.  Thou  wilt  go  with  me  to  the 
monastery,  Constance  ?  "  For  once  her  ladyship 
answered  truthfully,  but  she  did  not  know  it : 

"Nay,  I  am  to  join  thee  some  time  after 
twelve ;  I  know  not  just  when  or  where ;  but  we 
are  to  be  together.  I  owe  this  especial  favour  to 
the  Duke.  I  am  so  glad  thou  art  espoused,  or 
will  be  in  a  short  while,  or  I  should  be  insanely 
jealous.  Look,  Katherine ! "  and  Constance 
under  cover  of  her  handkerchief  showed  the 
ring. 

"  Isn't  it  beautiful  ?  "  said  Katherine. 

Mistress  Pen  wick,  like  many  another  of  her 
beauty  and  age,  was  inclined  to  be  of  ill-spirit 
when  another  of  her  sex  seemed  to  be  in  favour  ; 
and  at  Constance'  sudden  acquaintance  with  the 
King's  son,  and  able  to  wear  his  ring,  she  \vas 
piqued,  and  almost  wished  it  was  herself  instead  ; 
for  in  such  intimacy  there  could  be  nothing  else 
but  a  very  near  and  exalted  position  at  Court. 
The  poor  child — innocent  of  all  evil,  seeing 
naught  in  the  gaining  of  Royal  favour  but  the 
achievement  of  all  that  was  high,  holy,  beautiful 
and  perfect — now  for  a  brief  moment  scorned 
her  own  poor  estate  and  fell  to  envying  Con- 
stance, and  was  of  a  notion  not  to  go  at  all  to 


As  Nine  Tolled  from  the  Chapel  Belfry  199 

the  monastery ; — but  if  she  didn't,  then  her  re- 
ligion would  suffer;  for  who  could  go  to  the 
King  in  her  place  ?  She  knew  she  was  beautiful, 
and  knew  its  influence,  and  was  sure  the  King 
would  not  refuse  her.  Now  if  Lord  Cedric  had 
not  forbidden  her  going  to  the  monastery  for 
confession,  she  could  have  known  what  they 
wished  and  gone  openly  with  Lady  Constance  or 
Sir  Julian,  or  perhaps  just  with  Janet  to  his 
Majesty  and  gained  his  favour  and  at  once  have 
become  a  Lady  of  Honour.  But  no,  'twas  not 
thus,  and  things  were  as  they  were,  and  she  could 
not  change  them  or  retrace. 

She  would  not  engage  in  any  game,  but  played 
upon  the  harpsichord  and  sung  some  of  her 
sweetest  songs  ;  Lord  Cedric  ever  coming  to  her 
side  to  turn  her  music  or  offer  some  little  service. 
He  was  aflame  with  hope,  for  had  she  not  called 
him  "  Cedric  "  ? 

How  dear  it  sounded ;  if  he  might  only  hear 
her  say  it  again.  He  came  to  her  side  and  whis- 
pered, — 

"  'Twas  sweet  of  thee  to  call  me  Cedric  !  " — 
His  hand  for  a  moment  rested  upon  the  violets  at 
her  shoulder, — "  Kate,  why  didst  thou  not  wear 
the  opal  shoulder-knot  instead  of  these  violets  ?  " 

"  Because — I  value  it  more  than  aught  else,  and 
I  would  not  wear  it  on  all  occasions,  for  'twas  thy 
mother's  choicest  brooch." 

u  Indeed,  I  love  it,  also,  Kate,  for  the  same 


200  Mistress  Penwick 

reason ;  but  I  would  rather  see  thee  wear  it, 
for  I  love  thee,  Kate,  thee,  thee,  thee."  His 
voice  was  like  a  sob  stirring  her  to  a  pity  that 
made  her  sick  and  weak,  and  she  turned  from 
him  hastily  and  began  singing  softly,  — 

" '  When  love  with  unconfined  wings  hovers  within  my  gates ; 
And  my  divine  Althea  brings  to  whisper  at  the  grates ; 
When  I  lie  tangled  in  her  hair  and  fetter'd  to  her  eye ; 
The  gods  that  wanton  in  the  air,  know  no  such  liberty. 

" '  Stone  walls  do  not  a  prison  make,  nor  iron  bars  a  cage ; 
Minds  innocent  and  quiet  take  that  for  an  hermitage ; 
If  I  have  freedom  in  my  love,  and  in  my  soul  am  free ; 
Angels  alone  that  soar  above  enjoy  such  liberty ! '  " 

"  Thou  dost  sing  the  words  of  the  beautiful 
and  amiable  Richard  Lovelace ;  I  have  heard  my 
father  speak  of  him  with  great  affection.  The 
lines  to  Althea — his  sweetheart — were  written  in 
prison.  She  thought  him  dead  and  married  some 
one  else.  He  loved  her  more  than  life, — dost  be- 
lieve in  such  love,  Kate  ?  " 

"  Aye,  why  not  ? — Ah,  Sir  Julian,  hast  finished, 
— who  was  victor  ?  " 

"  I  am  modest,  my  Lady." 

"  But  never  too  modest  to  hold  thine  own." 
As  she  spoke  thus  to  Sir  Julian,  the  sands  of  the 
hour-glass  ran  out  and  nine  tolled  from  the  Chapel 
belfry.  Before  the  bell  had  ceased,  Constance 
had  drawn  Cedric  and  Julian  into  a  game  of 
cards,  she  placing  herself  opposite  the  window, 


As  Nine  Tolled  from  the  Chapel  Belfry  201 

and  Katherine  had  stepped  into  an  adjoining  pas- 
sage, and  taking  up  her  camelot  cloak,  with  fly- 
ing feet  and  beating  heart  hastened  to  the  post- 
ern-door and  slipped  bolts  and  bars  and  stood 
without  in  the  calm,  warm  night. 


CHAPTEK  XIV 

SEKMONS    NEW    AND  OLD 

"  THE  reign  of  Charles  the  Second  seemed  to  be 
impregnated  with  a  free  and  easy  moral  atmos- 
phere that  engendered  lewdness  in  human  prod- 
uct. It  is  said  by  a  great  historian  that  Thomas 
Hobbes  had,  in  language  more  precise  and  lumi- 
nous than  has  ever  been  employed  by  any  other 
metaphysical  writer,  maintained  that  the  will  of 
the  prince  was  the  standard  of  right  and  wrong, 
and  that  every  subject  ought  to  be  ready  to  profess 
Popery,  Mahometanism,  or  Paganism,  at  the 
royal  command.  Thousands  who  were  incom- 
petent to  appreciate  what  was  really  valuable  in 
his  speculations  eagerly  welcomed  a  theory 
which,  while  it  exalted  the  kingly  office,  relaxed 
the  obligations  of  morality  and  degraded  religion 
into  a  mere  affair  of  state.  Hobbism  soon  be- 
came an  almost  essential  part  of  the  character  of 
the  fine  gentleman.  All  the  lighter  kinds  of 
literature  were  deeply  tainted  by  the  prevailing 
licentiousness.  Poetry  stooped  to  be  the  pander 
of  every  low  desire.  Ridicule,  instead  of  putting 
guilt  and  error  to  the  blush,  turned  her  formi- 
dable shafts  against  innocence  and  truth.  The  re- 
stored Church  contended  indeed  against  the  pre- 
202 


Sermons  New  and  Old  203 

vailing  immorality,  but  contended  feebly,  and 
with  half  a  heart.  It  was  necessary  to  the  de- 
corum of  her  character  that  she  should  admonish 
her  erring  children,  but  her  admonitions  were 
given  in  a  somewhat  perfunctory  manner.  Her 
attention  was  elsewhere  engaged.  Little  as  the 
men  of  mirth  and  fashion  were  disposed  to  shape 
their  lives  according  to  her  precepts,  they  were 
yet  ready  to  fight  for  her  cathedrals  and  places, 
for  every  line  of  her  rubric  and  every  thread  of 
her  vestments.  If  the  debauched  cavalier 
haunted  brothels  and  gambling  houses,  he  at 
least  avoided  conventicles.  If  he  never  spoke 
without  uttering  ribaldry  and  blasphemy,  he 
made  some  amends  by  his  eagerness  to  send 
Baxter  and  Howe  to  gaol  for  preaching  and 
praying.  Thus  the  clergy,  for  a  time,  made  war 
on  schism  with  so  much  vigour  that  they  had 
little  leisure  to  make  war  on  vice." 

"  Charles  the  Second  wished  merely  to  be  a 
King  who  could  draw  without  limit  on  the 
treasury  for  the  gratification  of  his  private  tastes, 
who  could  hire  with  wealth  and  honours  persons 
capable  of  assisting  him  to  kill  the  time,  and  who, 
even  when  the  state  was  brought  by  maladminis- 
tration to  the  depths  of  humiliation  and  to  the 
brink  of  ruin,  could  still  exclude  unwelcome 
truth  from  the  purlieus  of  his  own  seraglio,  and 
refuse  to  see  and  hear  whatever  might  disturb  his 
luxurious  repose.  Later  in  life,  the  ill-bred 


204  Mistress  Pen  wick 

familiarity  of  the  Scottish  divines  had  given  him. 
a  distaste  for  Presbyterian  discipline,  while  the 
heats  and  animosities  between  the  members  of 
the  Established  Church  and  the  Nonconformists, 
with  which  his  reign  commenced,  made  him 
think  indifferently  of  both.  His  religion  was  that 
of  a  young  prince  in  his  warm  blood,  whose  in- 
quiries were  applied  more  to  discover  arguments 
against  belief  than  in  its  favour." 

"The  wits  about  the  Court,  who  found  em- 
ployment in  laughing  at  Scripture,  delighted  in 
turning  to  ridicule  what  the  preachers  said  in 
their  sermons  before  him,  and  in  this  way  in- 
duced him  to  look  upon  the  clergy  as  a  body  of 
men  who  had  compounded  a  religion  for  their  own 
advantage.  So  strongly  did  this  feeling  take 
root  in  him  that  he  at  length  resigned  himself 
to  sleep  at  sermon-time — not  even  South  or  Bar- 
row having  the  art  to  keep  him  awake.  In  one 
of  these  half -hours  of  sleep,  when  in  Chapel,  he 
is  known  to  have  missed,  doubtless  with  regret, 
the  gentle  reproof  of  South  to  Lauderdale  dur- 
ing a  general  somnolency  : — '  My  lord,  my  lord, 
you  snore  so  loud  you  will  wake  the  King.' ' 

"He  was  altogether  in  favour  of  extempore 
preaching,  and  was  umvilling  to  listen  to  the  de- 
livery of  a  written  sermon."  (Indeed,  if  we  had 
more  people  like  him  in  this  day,  we  would  hear 
far  more  of  the  gospel  and  far  less  of  politics 
and  jokes  which  so  demoralize  the  pulpit  and 


Sermons  New  and  Old  205 

take  away  all  sacredness.  The  King  was  right, 
as  all  mankind  will  agree,  in  his  idea  of  preach- 
ing.) "Patrick  excused  himself  from  a  chap- 
laincy, '  finding  it  very  difficult  to  get  a  sermon 
without  book.'  On  one  occasion  the  King  asked 
the  famous  Stillingfleet  '  how  it  was  that  he  al- 
ways reads  his  sermons  before  him,  when  he  was 
informed  that  he  always  preached  without  book 
elsewhere?'  Stillingfleet  answered  something 
about  the  awe  of  so  noble  a  congregation,  the 
presence  of  so  great  and  wise  a  prince,  with  which 
the  King  himself  was  very  well  contented, — '  But, 
pray,'  continued  Stillingfleet,  '  will  your  Majesty 
give  me  leave  to  ask  you  a  question  ?  Why  do 
you  read  your  speeches  when  you  can  have  none 
of  the  same  reasons  ? '  '  Why  truly,  doctor,'  re- 
plied the  King,  'your  question  is  a  very  perti- 
nent one,  and  so  will  be  my  answer.  I  have 
asked  the  two  Houses  so  often  and  for  so  much 
money,  that  I  am  ashamed  to  look  them  in  the 
face.'" 

"  This  '  slothful  way  of  preaching,'  for  so  the 
King  called  it,  had  arisen  during  the  civil  wars ; 
and  Monmouth,  when  Chancellor  of  the  Univer- 
sity of  Cambridge,  in  compliance  with  the  order 
of  the  King,  directed  a  letter  to  the  University 
that  the  practice  of  reading  sermons  should  be 
wholly  laid  aside." 

There  was  much  ignorance  in  the  seventeenth 
century ;  but  'twas  of  the  people's  own  choos- 


206  Mistress  Penwick 

ing ;  'twas  not  of  necessity.  Lewdness  was  pref- 
erable to  purity  ;  it  was  easier  had.  And  when 
the  King  led  the  pace,  why  not  they  of  lesser 
rank  and  fortunes  ?  But  was  there  ever  a  thing 
created  in  all  the  world  without  its  right  and 
wrong  sides  ?  It  seemed  there  was  no  room  in 
Charles'  time  for  aught  but  evil.  "  The  ribaldry 
of  Etherege  and  Wycherley  was,  in  the  presence 
and  under  the  special  sanction  of  the  head  of 
the  church,  while  the  author  of  the  Pilgrim's 
Progress  languished  in  a  dungeon  for  the  crime 
of  proclaiming  the  gospel  to  the  poor." 

As  time  waxed,  even  the  vigilant  persecutors 
became  passive,  relaxed  themselves  into  indiffer- 
ence ;  but  before  immorality  was  aware  the  still, 
small  voice  was  heard.  The  seed  that  was  twelve 
years  in  planting  had  taken  root  and  Pilgrim's 
Progress  became  known  and  John  Bunyan  stood 
without  the  prison  gates  to  preach  and  pray  at 
will,  to  keep  on  extending  that  influence  that 
lives  to-day.  And  for  once  the  King  did  not  go 
to  sleep  when,  through  caprice  or  curiosity,  he 
went  to  hear  him  preach. 

"  When  Bunyan  went  to  preach  in  London,  if 
there  was  but  one  day's  notice,  the  meeting  house 
was  crowded  to  overflowing.  Twelve  hundred 
people  would  be.  found  collected  before  seven 
o'clock  on  a  dark  winter's  morning  to  hear  a  lec- 
ture from  him.  In  Zoar  St.  Southwark,  his 
church  was  sometimes  so  crowded  that  he  had 


Sermons  New  and  Old  207 

to  be  lifted  to  the  pulpit  stairs  over  the  congre- 
gation's heads."  He  strove  not  for  popularity, 
as  could  be  seen  in  the  one  little  circumstance 
when  "  a  friend  complimented  him,  after  service, 
on  *  the  sweet  sermon '  which  he  had  delivered. 
'  You  need  not  remind  me  of  that,'  he  said.  4  The 
devil  told  me  of  it  before  I  was  out  of  the  pul-' 
pit.'" 

"  Charles  Doe,  a  distinguished  nonconformist, 
visited  him  in  his  confinement.  *  When  I  was 
there,'  he  writes,  '  there  were  about  sixty  dissen- 
ters besides  himself,  taken  but  a  little  before  at 
a  religious  meeting  at  Kaistor,  in  the  county  of 
Bedford,  besides  two  eminent  dissenting  minis- 
ters, Mr.  Wheeler  and  Mr.  Dun,  by  which  means 
the  prison  was  much  crowded.  Yet,  in  the  midst 
of  all  that  hurry,  I  heard  Mr.  Bunyan  both  preach 
and  pray  with  that  mighty  spirit  of  faith  and 
plerophory  of  Divine  assistance,  that  he  made 
me  stand  and  wonder.' " 

The  sweet  spirit  of  a  minister  is  treasured  and 
kept  green  in  the  memory  of  his  flock,  no  matter 
how  recalcitrant  they  may  be.  This  is  shown 
by  the  reading  once  a  year  in  Bedford  Church 
of  John  Gifford's  letter  to  his  parish  people, 
written  over  two  hundred  years  ago.  It  says : 
"  Let  no  respect  of  persons  be  in  your  comings 
together.  When  you  are  met  as  a  church,  there's 
neither  rich  nor  poor,  bond  nor  free,  in  Jesus 
Christ.  'Tis  not  a  good  practice  to  be  offering 


208  Mistress  Pen  wick 

places  or  seats  when  those  who  are  rich  come  in ; 
especially  it  is  a  great  evil  to  take  notice  of  such 
in  time  of  prayer  or  the  word ;  then  are  bowings 
and  civil  observances  at  such  times  not  of  God." 
It  was  the  "  holy  Mr.  Gilford  "  that  was  often  in 
conference  with  John  Bunyan;  "the  latter  as 
the  seeking  pilgrim,  the  former  the  guiding  evan- 
gelist." With  such  men  as  these  the  sweet  spirit 
was  kept  aflame  and  eventually  changed  England 
and  made  her  the  great  country  she  is.  But  in 
those  licentious  days  this  sweet  spirit  shone  from 
its  impure  surroundings  like  the  ignis  fatuus,  and 
'twas  a  great,  wicked  world  that  Mistress  Pen- 
wick  stood  all  alone  in  that  early  summer  night. 

A  nightingale  sung  afar  in  some  bowery  of 
blossom,  and  for  a  moment  she  listened. 

"  'Tis  an  ode  to  the  night  he  sings,  'tis  too  clear 
and  high  and  full  of  cadence  for  a  nuptial  mass, 
— nay,  nay,  I  shall  not  marry  to-night,  I  will  go 
and  see  what  dear  father  Constantino  wishes  and 
return  to  this  home  that  has  never  seemed  so  fair 
to  me  before ; — and  my  lord  is  handsome  and  so, 
too,  is  Sir  Julian  and  I'm  fond  of  their  Graces  of 
Ells  wold  and  Janet, — Janet,  I  love  her  best  of 
all.  Nay,  nay,  I'll  not  be  married.  I  will  go 
and  see  and  return.  Janet  will  not  look  for  me 
above  stair  before  eleven  at  least.  I  shall  be 
home  again  ere  I'm  missed."  She  thought  thus 
as  she  hurried  on  through  the  courtyard  and  be- 
yond, where  waited  Father  Dempsy. 


Sermons  Kew  and  Old  209 

In  a  second,  it  seemed,  they  were  galloping 
away,  Mistress  Pen  wick  throwing  back  a  long, 
sweeping  glance  at  the  great,  stone  pile  behind 
her.  The  train  of  her  brocade  skirt  hung  almost 
to  the  ground ;  her  fair,  sloping  shoulders,  her 
exquisite  face  framed  in  a  high  roll  of  amber 
beauty,  made  a  picture, — a  rare  gem  encircled 
by  a  gorgeous  June  night. 

On  they  rode  without  converse ;  Dempsy  was 
a  brave  man,  yet  he  feared  and  justly,  too,  that 
Mistress  Penwick  might  be  taken  from  him  be- 
fore they  reached  the  monastery,  therefore  he  en- 
joined silence,  and  the  best  speed  of  their  horses, 
and  kept  a  hand  upon  his  sword. 

He  drew  a  sigh  of  relief  when  he  beheld  the 
dark  outline  of  the  cloister  that  appeared  quiet 
and  undisturbed. 

As  they  approached,  Cantemir  came  from  the 
open  door  and  lifted  Mistress  Penwick  from  her 
horse  in  a  most  tender  fashion,  and  would  have 
held  her  close  and  imprinted  a  kiss  upon  her 
forehead  had  she  not  drawn  from  him  and  raised 
her  hand  to  his  lips. 

"'Tis  a  cold  greeting,  Katherine,  after  these 
long,  weary  days  of  separation." 

"  Nay,  not  so.  'Tis  thy  warmth  that  is  prema- 
ture." And  without  deigning  further  opportunity 
for  converse,  she  swept  over  the  threshold  of  the 
monastery. 

There  was  much  business  to  be  attended  to  be- 


210  Mistress  Pen  wick 

fore  the  ceremony  could  take  place,  and  the  time 
was  limited ;  for  in  one  hour  it  was  believed  the 
cloister  would  be  attacked  by  the  Duke  of  Buck- 
ingham and  his  party,  and  the  maid  must  be  far 
on  her  way  before  the  attack. 

There  was  none  but  Mistress  Pen  wick,  herself, 
that  thought  else  than  that  a  marriage  contract 
was  to  be  sealed.  She  on  a  sudden  felt  a  great 
repulsion  for  Adrian  Cantemir,  and  she  resolved 
not  to  wed  him. 

As  she  stood  in  the  large  hall  that  served  as 
council  chamber  and  for  all  functions  of  impor- 
tance, she  cast  her  eye  about  for  those  answering 
to  the  description  of  his  Grace  of  Monmouth  and 
that  other — was  it  the  King  ?  She  felt  sure  she 
would  know  him;  but  upon  the  long  benches 
there  were  none  but  sombre  cowled  figures  with 
crucifix  and — aye,  swords  gleamed  from  beneath 
the  folds  of  their  long  gowns  and  touched  the 
floor.  Her  eyes  flashed  wide  with  surprise,  and 
she  felt  proud  and  loved  the  bravery  of  her  re- 
ligion. But  to  what  it  portended  she  thought  on 
for  a  moment  seriously  and  concluded  Royal 
personages  must  be  present,  or  why  else  such 
precaution  ? 

As  the  business  had  to  do  with  Mistress  Pen- 
wick  only,  Cantemir  was  asked  to  withdraw. 
As  soon  as  the  business  was  entered  upon,  the 
maid's  doubts  of  the  surrounding  company  were 
dispelled  and  she  knew  none  of  the  Royal  party 


Sermons  New  and  Old  211 

would  dare  be  even  an  unknown  guest  at  such  a 
meeting. 

At  the  conclusion  of  the  council  she  held  an 
important  secret,  more  important  to  herself  than 
she  dreamt.  It  made  her  bold,  and  she  straight- 
way arose  and  spoke  out  clearly, — 

"  If  the  reverend  fathers  would  agree  upon  a 
certain  matter,  I  will  start  at  once  upon  my  jour- 
ney. I  feel  my  mission  to  the  King  to  be  more 
important  than  all  else  to  me,  and  for  the  success 
of  my  undertaking  I  deem  it  best  I  should  go  as 
maid  and  not  wife  to  his  most  Royal  presence." 
This  was  a  startling  but  most  acceptable  asser- 
tion. It  had  been  much  spoken  on  by  the  Abbes 
but  by  common  consent  they  agreed  if  the  maid 
wished  to  marry  the  Russian,  why — they  would 
offer  no  objections ;  so  they  had  left  the  matter. 

"Dost  think,  Mistress  Pen  wick,  thou  canst 
settle  readily  the  case  with  the  Count  ?  " 

"  'Twill  be  easy  and  quickly  done.  Call  him 
hither ! "  said  she.  The  Russian  came  with 
eagerness  and  some  impatience,  for  he  feared  a 
delay  might  plunge  him  into  a  lively  skirmish. 

Katherine  went  to  his  side,  and  placing  her 
fingers  upon  his  arm,  said, — 

"  Thou  wilt  escort  me  to  the  King  ?  " 

"Most  gladly,  and  where  else  in  life  thou 
shalt  choose  to  go." 

"  'Tis  the  present  that  indicates  the  future, — 
wilt  come  at  once  without  ceremony  ?  " 


212  Mistress  Pen  wick 

"Nay,  nay,  I  protest.  I  must  have  thee  as 
wife,  first,  Mistress  Penwick !  " 

Constantino  leant  toward  them  from  the  table 
and  looked  with  purpose,  a  frown  emphasizing 
his  shrewd  glance, — 

"We  have  not  time  for  further  controversy, 
and  if  the  maid  will  say  the  word,  the  ceremony 
will  be  performed  now."  The  Abbe  knew  the 
maid  would  give  in  to  circumstances  sooner  than 
the  determined  Count,  and  thus  hastened  her. 
All  eyes  were  upon  the  two,  and  Katherine  hear- 
ing in  the  priest's  voice  a  tone  of  insistence, 
stood  for  a  moment  motionless  and  evidently  de- 
bating her  course. 

As  she  opened  her  lips,  there  was  a  sudden 
sound  of  horses'  feet. 

In  a  moment  a  thundering  knock  upon  the 
door's  panelling  demanded  admittance. 

"  Who  seeks  an  opening  so  roughly  ?  "  thun- 
dered La  Fosse. 

"  Cedric  of  Crandlemar !  " 

"  The  devil ! "  cried  Cantemir,  as  he  fell  back 
in  consternation  and  fear.  Indeed  he  would 
rather  meet  the  King  of  devils  than  this  hot- 
headed Cedric.  Katherine  was  not  at  a  loss  to 
read  Count  Adrian's  countenance,  and  straight- 
way bade  them  open  the  door.  La  Fosse  spoke 
as  his  hand  rested  on  the  locker, — 

"  Art  alone,  my  lord  ?  " 

"  Aye,  quite  alone  !  "  came  in  a  voice  so  shaken 


Sermons  New  and  Old  213 

Katherine  fell  to  trembling  in  very  fear.  Cedric 
threw  wide  the  door  and  stood  within,  facing 
them  all.  His  face  gleamed  like  marble,  so 
colourless  and  still  it  seemed.  His  body  swayed 
by  love  and  anger,  knew  not  which  way  to  turn, 
but  appeared  to  sway  from  side  to  side.  His 
breath  came  in  quick,  sharp  pants.  His  hair, 
damp  as  if  from  fine  rain,  was  dishevelled.  His 
dark  eyes  shot  forth  sparks  of  angry  fire  that 
burnt  all  who  fell  beneath  their  glance. 

"  Who  brought  hither  the  maid  ?  Did  yonder 
pandering  fool?  Aye,  'twas  thou.  I  see  it 
plain.  Come,  come,  draw  fool ;  draw  ere  I  run 
thee  through  and  dishonour  sword  by  attacking 
thee,  unarmed ;  draw,  I  say,  fool !  " 

Count  Adrian's  face  was  ghastly.  Lord  Ced- 
ric raised  his  sword  and  made  a  lunge  at  him. 
La  Fosse  was  too  quick  for  Cedric.  He  sprang 
between  and  parried  the  pass  with  astounding 
dexterity.  The  monk  intended-  it  for  a  finale 
stroke;  but  not  so  Cedric.  He  began  a  fight 
that  was  not  to  be  so  easily  ended,  and  he  drove 
his  sword  in  fury.  The  good  monk  only  wished 
to  parry ;  but  alas  !  he  caught  the  spirit  of  battle 
and  fought.  Constantino  made  as  if  to  draw 
the  maid  from  the  scene,  while  others  sought  to 
interfere  with  the  combatants.  'Twas  of  no 
avail.  Katherine  could  not  be  moved  from 
where  she  stood,  white  and  still  as  a  statue ; 
neither  could  they  interpose  between  the  Abbe 


214  Mistress  Penwick 

and  his  Lordship.  Sorrow  and  dismay  were 
written  on  every  face,  for  'twas  sure  one  or  the 
other  must  fall  of  those  two  masters  of  the 
sword.  Already  there  fell  at  La  Fosse's  feet 
drops  of  blood.  "When  Katherine  saw  them,  she 
sprang  forward  and  cried, — 

"  Stop,  stop  in  God's  name,  stop  ! "  As  she 
was  about  to  fling  herself  between  them,  Cedric 
fell  heavily  to  the  floor,  a  stream  of  blood  flow- 
ing from  his  breast.  With  a  wild  scream  Kath- 
erine fell  upon  her  knees  at  his  side  and  pressed 
her  dainty  handkerchief  to  the  wound,  and  be- 
gan to  fondle  him  and  speak  in  his  ear  that 
she  loved  him.  Aye,  she  was  sure  now,  there 
could  be  no  doubt,  and  as  she  pressed  her  lips  to 
his  cold,  white  face  she  saw  his  eyelids  flutter. 
She  looked  up  quickly  into  the  priest's  face  ;  he 
answered  her  look  with  wholesome  words. 

"  The  wound  is  slight,  my  child ;  he  will  re- 
cover." She  fell  back,  blushing  with  shame  for 
her  bold  avowals,  and  knew  not  which  way  to 
turn  to  hide  her  confusion ;  for  she  was  sure  all 
present  had  marked  her  warm  words  and  actions. 

Immediately  Lord  Cedric  was  carried  to  an 
inner  room,  and  Katherine  turned  about  to  look 
for  Cantemir,  as  did  a  half-dozen  others  ;  he  had 
disappeared  and  where  he  stood  were  a  score  of 
masqued  figures.  When  they  saw  they  had  the 
attention  of  the  company,  one  lifted  high  his 
sword  and  cried, — 


Sermons  New  and  Old  215 

"  Hail,  merry  monarchs  of  the  Sylvan  Chapel ! 
We  have  come  to  escort  the  maid  to  the  King !  " 
While  this  avowal  struck  the  Abbes  with  con- 
sternation, they  had  expected  a  different  mode 
of  attack,  and  they  were  not  displeased  that  it 
had  taken  another  course.  They  had  expected 
the  treasure  would  be  demanded  of  them  with 
all  their  papers.  These  they  would  fight  for. 
The  secret  for  which  Mistress  Pen  wick  was  to 
visit  the  King,  the  Abbes  were  now  sure  the 
Koyal  party  knew  not.  The  papers  she  carried 
could  give  them  no  clue  even  though  they  gained 
possession  of  them,  and  the  maid  would  never 
divulge  what  she  was  to  say  to  his  Majesty. 

"  Her  escort  is  provided,"  said  La  Fosse,  who 
stood  nearly  exhausted,  leaning  upon  the  table, 
his  sword  still  in  his  hand. 

"  Ah,  but  if  we  choose  to  oifer  her  a  more  hon- 
ourable one  !  Indeed  the  knave  of  a  Russian, 
who  lies  without,  has  but  just  put  the  matter  in 
our  hands.  He  was  to  escort  her,  but  at  sight  of 
blood  he  faints  and  begs  us  take  forthwith  his 
promised  wife  to  Whitehall."  One  could  not 
mistake  the  courtly  grace  and  fine  figure  of  his 
Grace  of  Buckingham.  Behind  him  was  a  form 
equally  imposing,  and  the  handsome  mouth  and 
chin  of  the  Duke  of  Monmouth  could  be  seen  as 
he  tilted  his  masque  for  a  better  view  of  the 
maid,  whom  he  supposed  was  the  same  he  had  met 
in  the  evening.  But  with  half  an  eye  he  saw  his 


216  Mistress  Pen  wick 

mistake.  Never  was  he  so  moved  at  first  sight 
of  a  face  before.  He  drank  in  her  loveliness  in 
rapturous  drafts,  and  swayed  from  side  to  side 
examining  with  critical  eye  the  outline  of  her 
fair  mould.  She  had  thrown  her  cloak  from  her 
and  stood  slightly  in  front  of  Constantine,  as  he, 
holding  a  candle  at  her  elbow,  leant  close  to  her 
ear,  whispering  and  holding  a  small  paper  for  her 
to  read.  As  she  read,  her  eyes  flashed,  her  bosom 
rose  and  fell  neath  the  covering  of  her  short,  full 
waist ;  and  Monmouth's  eyes  seemed  ravished  by 
it.  It  had  been  his  misfortune,  he  thought,  to 
see  long,  modish,  tapering  stays  that  bruised  his 
fancy  as  it  did  the  wearer's  body,  and  to  behold 
such  slender  waist  crowned  by  full,  unfettered 
maiden  roundness,  pedestalled  by  such  broad  and 
shapely  hips  was  maddening.  He  had  not 
dreamt  of  such  beauty  when  his  Grace  of  Buck- 
ingham had  suggested  the  trip  into  the  forest. 

"We  will  have  some  sport  finding  a  beauty 
and  a  secret.  If  it  pleases  your  Grace,  I  will 
have  the  secret  and  thou  the  maid,"  said  he  to 
Monmouth,  and  the  latter  had  come  all  the  way 
from  Whitehall,  for  he  knew  the  Duke  would 
waste  no  time  looking  for  aught  but  a  King's  por- 
tion. Never  was  there  another  such  a  beauty  ; 
she  would  be  the  gem  of  his  seraglio.  She 
looked  up,  her  dark  orbs  casting  a  sweeping 
glance  upon  those  about. 


Sermons  New  and  Old  217 

"  I  will  return  to  Crandlemar  for  the  night ; 
call  my  escort !  "  said  she. 

Now  it  was  plain  this  was  a  ruse  of  Constan- 
tine's  own  making,  and  had  whispered  it  as  she 
had  pretended  to  read.  Buckingham  laughed 
cruelly  and  scornfully,  provoking  smothered 
mirth  from  behind  the  masques  of  his  followers. 

"  Thou  hadst  better  set  out  directly,  if  thou 
wouldst  gain  audience  with  the  King  ere  he  leaves 
Whitehall." 

"  I  am  in  no  hurry,  to-morrow  will  do  as  well. 
I  like  not  advice  unsought.  I'll  have  none  of  it. 
I  will  go  where,  when  and  how  as  I  please ! " 

"  And  coercion  smacks  of  a  power  residing  not 
in  these  parts.  I  am  delegated,  Mistress  Pen- 
wick,  to  bring  thee  straightway  to  the  Royal 
presence." 

"  And  why,  may  I  ask,  am  I  so  called  to  his 
Majesty  ?  " 

"  Thou  art  a  hostage !  "  and  Buckingham  took 
a  pinch  of  snuff  with  as  much  ease  and  grace  as 
if  standing  in  a  crowded  drawing-room. 


CHAPTER  XY 

THE  EDICT   OF   BUCKINGHAM 

"  I — I,  a  hostage !  and  who  gave  me  as  such, 
pray  ?  " 

"  There  is  not  time  for  further  inquisition ;  we 
have  a  long  journey  before  us.  Come,  Mistress ! " 

"  Nay,  nay,  I  protest ;  I'll  not  go  with  thee  — 

"Mistress  Penwick,  I  beg  thee  in  my  own  be- 
half,"— and  the  Duke  bowed  before  her  so  cour- 
teously, he  half  won  her  good  will,  then — "  and  I 
command  thee  in  the  name  of  the  King,"  and 
with  these  words  he  put  forth  his  hand  as  it  were 
to  take  that  of  Katherine.  A  sword  swept 
lightly  over  the  maid's  fingers,  at  which  the  two 
Dukes  drew  back  with  haughty  indignation, 
which  meant  that  reparation  must  be  immediate 
for  this  insult  to  those  who  came  upon  his  Maj- 
esty's affairs ;  for  indeed  they  feigned  well  that 
they  were  carrying  out  the  King's  orders.  La 
Fosse,  having  now  regained  his  breath  and  some 
strength,  essayed  to  draw  Mistress  Penwick  from 
the  scene  that  was  about  to  ensue ;  but  a  young 
man  flung  himself  between  them  and  drove  back 
the  monk  at  the  point  of  his  sword,  thus  begin- 
ning the  fight. 

Katherine  was  well-nigh  fainting  from  actual 

218 


The  Edict  of  Buckingham  219 

fear  and  apprehension.  If  she  were  a  hostage, 
'twas  her  duty  to  go  and  it  might  favour  her 
cause.  Doubtless  these  men  were  gentlemen, 
and  what  matter  now  who  accompanied  her  to 
the  King  ?  Adrian  had  proven  himself  a  knave. 
Poor,  dear  Cedric  lay  ill  of  his  wound  and  he 
could  not  attend  her  if  he  would.  These  things 
flashed  through  her  mind  as  she  watched  the 
flash  of  steel.  Then  on  a  sudden  it  came  to  her 
who  these  masqued  figures  might  be.  Her  heart 
gave  a  great  bound,  and  she  sprang  into  the 
midst  of  those  fighting  and  raised  her  voice,  cry- 
ing forth, — 

"  Cease,  cease,  fight  no  more ;  I  will  go  with 
thee."  A  priest  near  her  whispered, — 

"  'Tis  thy  honour  we  fight  for  now,  hold  thy 
peace ;  'tis  not  best  for  thee  to  go  with  them, 
'twould  be  thy  utter  ruin  and  the  undoing  of  our 
affairs!"  His  warning  came  too  late;  all  had 
heard  Katherine  speak ;  and  although  two  forms 
already  lay  upon  the  floor,  there  were  other  mo- 
tives stronger  than  the  thirst  for  blood,  which 
on  a  sudden  seemed  quenched,  and  faces  pale  and 
blood-stained  turned  upon  Buckingham  as  he 
coolly  and  with  much  dignity  lifted  Katherine's 
cloak  from  the  table  and  placed  it  about  her 
shoulders,  then  had  the  audacity  to  offer  his  arm. 
She  ignored  it,  turned  to  Constantine  and  fell 
upon  her  knees ;  he  blessed  her,  then  whispered 
hurriedly  in  her  ear.  She  arose  and  passed  down 


220  Mistress  Penwick 

the  bloody  aisle,  which  was  flanked  on  either 
side  by  an  array  of  shining  steel.  As  she  ap- 
proached the  door,  it  was  flung  wide  by  a  figure 
that  startled  her,  so  like  was  it  to  Lord  Cedric's, 
but  the  light  fell  aslant  his  countenance  and  as 
she  swept  by  saw  'twas  Sir  Julian  Pomphrey. 

A  chaise  stood  some  little  distance  from  the 
cloister,  into  which  Katherine  was  placed  with 
great  courtesy  by  his  Grace  of  Buckingham. 

She  sunk  back  among  the  cushions  with  half- 
closed  eyes ;  heeding  not  those  that  rode  at 
either  window  of  the  equipage ;  she  was  trying 
to  collect  her  thoughts  and  by  degrees  they 
shaped  themselves  and  she  was  thinking  of  that 
that  had  but  transpired.  First  of  all,  she  con- 
soled herself  like  the  selfish  girl  she  was :  Cedric 
would  not  die;  'twas  a  sweet  consolation,  and 
she  smiled ;  her  thoughts  dwelling  not  for  a  mo- 
ment on  her  own  conduct  that  had  brought  him 
to  suffer  such  pain.  Then  she  lay  back  even 
more  luxuriously  as  she  thought  that  Sir  Julian 
would  not  have  opened  the  door  for  her,  had  she 
been  going  into  danger.  To  tell  the  truth,  she 
sighed  happily  in  contemplation  of  further  ex- 
ploit. She  grew  bolder  and  bolder,  fearing 
naught  but  some  slight  mischance  that  might 
prevent  her  being  a  Maid  of  Honour ;  for  never, 
never  could  she  go  back  to  Cedric  after  she  had 
made  assertion  of  love  in  his  ear,  and  his  eyelids 
had  trembled.  Nay,  nay,  she  could  not  bear  to 


The  Edict  of  Buckingham  221 

look  him  in  the  face  again.  Alas !  she  made 
vow  she  never  would.  If  she  was  not  made  a 
lady  of  her  Majesty's  household,  she  would  seek 
the  patronage  of  some  titled  woman,  who  could 
help  her.  Not  for  a  moment  did  she  think  of 
the  perils  that  surrounded  and  grew  closer  about 
her  unprotected  self  with  every  turn  of  the 
wheels  that  carried  her  on. 

It  appeared  now  as  if  all  barriers  to  the  King's 
presence  had  been  levelled  and  Katherine's  hopes 
matured  to  confidence.  She  drew  her  cloak 
about  her  with  sedulous  care,  as  if  in  so  doing 
she  wrapped  and  hid  from  the  whole  world  her 
own  poor  cunning.  She  found  in  her  lonely  con- 
dition no  embarrassment,  conceiving  that  her  po- 
sition as  intermediary  between  her  Church  and 
the  State  was  sufficient  reason  for  her  abrupt 
leaving  of  home.  Sir  Julian  would  doubtless  ex- 
plain matters  to  the  Duke  and  Duchess,  whom 
she  believed  were  more  than  half  of  her  faith. 
They  would  see  she  had  been  highly  honoured 
by  being  entrusted  with  a  great  secret. 

It  appeared  as  if  the  chaise  would  never  cease 
to  lung  and  swagger  over  rough,  unused  roads? 
and  when  at  last  it  did  mend  its  way,  Katherine 
had  ceased  thinking  and  fallen  fast  asleep,  nor 
did  she  wake  during  hours  of  travel,  until  the 
great  coach  came  to  a  sudden  halt.  She  looked 
through  the  window.  Dawn  streaked  the  East 
with  uncertain  intention,  knowing  not  whether 


222  Mistress  Penwick 

to  open  the  day  with  rain  or  sunshine.  A  little 
to  the  left  was  the  dark  outline  of  an  inn,  nest- 
ling upon  the  threshold  of  a  forest,  from  the 
window  of  which  fell  aslant  the  way  a  line  of 
light.  The  door  of  the  equipage  was  opened,  and 
a  stately  cavalier  stood  to  assist  her  down  the 
step.  She  leapt  lightly  to  the  ground,  taking 
the  proffered  arm,  as  the  way  was  dark  and  un- 
even. 

Within  the  large,  cheery  room  they  entered, 
burnt  a  crackling  fire ;  for  the  morning  was 
damp  and  chilly.  Katherine  stole  a  glance  at 
her  companion  and  saw  the  handsome  features  of 
Monmouth.  He  had  removed  his  masque  and 
now  stood  uncovered  before  her. 

"  I  hope  Mistress  Penwick  has  not  suffered  from 
her  long  ride  ?  " 

"Nay,  sir;  on  the  contrary,  I  feel  refreshed." 
Her  manner  told  him  plainly  his  address  was  not 
displeasing  to  her.  His  eyes  rested  amorously 
upon  her  ;  for  'twas  naught  but  strong,  healthful 
youth  could  predicate  such  reply  and  vouch  for 
its  assertion  by  such  rich  colouring  of  cheek, 
such  rare  sparkling  of  eyes  and  such  ripeness  of 
lips. 

She  sat  at  the  chimney-nook,  her  satin  gown 
trailing  at  her  side,  her  cloak  thrown  over  the 
back  of  the  high  chair.  Their  Graces  were  en- 
gaged aside  with  the  landlord  and  servants. 

"  We  will  rest  here  until  noon,  anyway,"  one 


The  Edict  of  Buckingham  223 

said,  "  and  if  they  have  not  arrived  we  will  set 
out  without  them."  Katherine  heard  and 
thought  'twas  Constance  whom  they  were  ex- 
pecting ;  and  when  a  table  was  drawn  close  to 
the  fire  and  covers  laid  for  four,  there  being  but 
three  to  sit  down,  Katherine  looked  askance  at 
the  vacant  place ;  the  Dukes  exchanged  glances 
and  his  Grace  of  Buckingham  turned  to  her 
quickly,  introducing  himself,  then  Monmouth, 
and  explained  that  at  the  last  moment  Lady 
Constance  had  been  prevailed  upon  to  accom- 
pany them  to  London  and  was  expected  every 
moment. 

Mistress  Penwick  had  flushed  at  the  presenta- 
tion of  two  such  noble  names,  but  at  his  following 
assertion,  which  corroborated  with  Constance' 
own  words,  made  her  not  a  little  jealous ;  for 
the  handsome  young  Monmouth  had  already 
shown  his  regard  (God  pity  her  innocence)  for 
Lady  Constance  by  giving  her  a  valuable  ring, 
and  now  had  contrived  to  make  her  of  their 
party  that  he  might  be  constantly  with  her. 

She  straightway  became  very  sober-minded, 
vouchsafing  no  remarks  and  inviting  none.  Her 
pique  would  have  given  way  had  she  but  heard 
the  Duke's  conversation  a  few  moments  previous. 

"  Damme ! "  said  young  Monmouth,  "  I  have 
kidnapped  the  wrong  girl.  'Tis  not  my  fault ; 
thou  saidst,  Duke,  to  take  any  pretty  girl  from 
Crandlemar  castle,  and  I  have  captured  Lady 


224:  Mistress  Penwick 

Constance,  whom,  I  took  it,  was  the  girl  in  ques- 
tion ;  and  I  made  up  my  mind  thou  shouldst  not 
choose  beauty  for  me.  I  shall  throw  her  on  thy 
shoulders  to  dispose  of." 

The  Dukes,  bent  on  provoking  the  maid  to  her 
former  manner,  began  witty  tales  of  wayside 
inns.  Their  demeanour  was  so  noble,  their  stor- 
ies so  terse  and  pretty,  their  converse  of  such  el- 
egant and  pure  wording,  she  relaxed  and  fell 
into  their  mood  and  told  what  few  convent  sto- 
ries she  could  boast.  Their  Graces  were  charmed 
by  her  beauty,  her  sweet  resonant  voice  and  the 
simple  and  innocent  narratives,  and  not  a  little 
pleased  by  the  result  of  their  diplomacy. 


When  Mistress  Penwick  had  gone  from  the 
grand  salon  the  evening  before,  Lord  Cedric  was 
not  long  in  discovering  her  absence ;  for  his  eyes 
and  thoughts  ever  sought  her.  He  had  been 
greatly  stirred  by  some  unknown  thing,  perhaps 
that  we  call  premonition  ('tis  God's  own  gift,  if  we 
would  but  heed  its  warning),  but  the  game  being 
well  under  way  and  Constance  calling  his  atten- 
tion to  an  immediate  and  imperative  move,  he 
was  dissuaded  from  his  inclination  to  arise  and  in- 
quire of  the  maid's  absence.  It  was  not  for  long, 
however,  either  the  game  or  his  kinswoman's 
cunning  could  hold  his  Lordship  from  seeking 
her.  Quietly  he  beckoned  a  lackey  and  whis- 


The  Edict  of  Buckingham  225 

pered  aside.  A  few  minutes  elapsed  when  the 
servant  stood  by  his  master,  while  beyond  in  the 
doorway  was  Janet,  who  for  once  in  her  life  was 
quite  pale.  Swiftly  Lord  Cedric  strode  to  her, 
saying,— 

"  Hast  thou  looked  for  her  everywhere, 
Janet  ?  " 

"  Aye,  my  lord,  in  her  own  chamber  and ' 

"  But  perhaps  she  has  gone  to  the  kitchens  or 
pantries,  for  hunger  doth  assail  her  not  infre- 
quent and  at  unusual  hours." 

There  was  a  bit  of  bitterness  and  sarcasm  in 
his  voice  and  he  ground  his  heel  as  he  turned 
about  to  give  orders.  In  a  moment  servants 
were  hunting  in  every  direction  throughout  the 
castle.  It  was  soon  ascertained  she  was  not 
within  the  great  house.  Cedric  grew  wild  with 
passion  and  tore  up  and  down  like  one  gone  mad. 
Sir  Julian  could  not  restrain  him,  a  thing  that 
had  not  happened  heretofore.  Angel,  his  old 
nurse,  was  called ;  she  bade  him  ride  forth  for 
her. 

At  this  a  horse  was  made  ready,  and  his  lord- 
ship mounted  and  rode  away,  Sir  Julian  protest- 
ing all  the  while. 

As  the  clatter  of  horses'  hoofs  had  fairly  died 
away  and  Sir  Julian  stood  just  where  Cedric  had 
left  him,  debating  with  his  several  ideas,  a  soft 
touch  was  laid  almost  tenderly  upon  his  arm  ; 
had  it  been  the  soft,  slimy  trailing  of  a  serpent, 


226  Mistress  Penwick 

'twould  not  have  so  startled  him.  He  turned 
suddenly  and  caught  the  slender  hand,  with  no 
fine  affection, — 

"  I  see  it  all  quite  plainly,  thou  art  the  cruel 
spider  that  hath  woven  a  silken  mesh  for  that  in- 
nocent child,  and  thou  shalt  tell  me  before  the 
sands  of  the  hour-glass  mark  ten  moments  of 
time,  where  has  flown  Mistress  Penwick, — so 
speak,  speak  quickly,  Constance !  " 

His  voice  and  manner  brooked  no  delay,  and 
her  ladyship  thinking  that  even  now  Katherine 
was  Cantemir's  wife,  spoke  out  with  a  semblance 
of  injured  dignity  that  melted  under  Sir  Julian's 
scathing  contempt  to  silly  simpering.  The  noble 
character  of  Sir  Julian  seemed  to  silhouette  that 
of  her  ladyship  in  all  its  ugly  blackness. 

"  She  is,  I  presume,  by  now,  the  Countess  Can- 
temir — made  so  by  an  Abbe  at  the  monastery." 

Pomphrey  was  a-road ;  the  clatter  of  bit  and 
spur  brought  a  smile  to  Constance'  face,  and  she 
cried  forth  with  all  the  venom  in  her  poor,  foul 
being : 

"  Two  mad  fools, — both  gone  crazy  over  a  con- 
vent wench,  who  is  now  my  Lady  Cantemir — my 
cousin, — the  wife  of  a  fortune  hunter ! "  She 
fled  within  doors  like  one  pursued  and  stopped 
not  until  she  reached  her  own  chamber. 

Midnight  approached  phantom-like,  and  as 
stealthily  Lady  Constance  crept  to  the  postern 
door.  Behind  her  fell  a  shadow  athwart  the 


The  Edict  of  Buckingham  227 

floor,  a  shadow  that  was  not  hers  but  of  one  that 
moved  as  warily.  She  listened  as  she  held  the 
door  ajar,  fearing  to  look  back.  As  she  thrust 
the  door  wide,  a  figure  from  without  moved  to- 
ward her. 

"  Who  is  there  ?  "  she  whispered. 

"  Monmouth  ! "  was  the  answer ;  and  out  she 
stepped,  well  pleased  to  be  free  from  that  shadow 
she  felt  was  pursuing  her.  Her  hand  was  im- 
mediately taken  and  eager  eyes  sought  the  ring. 
It  was  hardly  visible,  so  dense  was  the  shadow  of 
the  trees. 

"  Come  this  way,  Lady  Penwick,"  came  in  a 
voice  that  was  not  that  of  Monmouth's,  which 
had  sounded  so  much  like  music  to  her  a  few, 
short  hours  before,  or  that  had  spoken  the  word 
"  Monmouth  "  even  that  moment.  She,  drawing 
back  in  her  uncertainty,  was  captured  by  strong 
arms,  a  hood  was  thrown  over  her  head,  and  she 
was  lifted  and  carried  in  hot  haste  to  a  chaise, 
and  helped  therein  without  much  formality.  As 
her  escort  leapt  in  behind  her,  there  swept  in  the 
other  door  another  figure,  also  intent  upon  being 
accommodated  by  a .  seat  in  a  London  equipage ; 
and  before  any  one  was  aware  of  a  de  trop  com- 
rade, the  doors  were  shut  with  a  bang  and  horses 
started  at  a  gallop.  Under  cover  of  the  noise 
her  ladyship's  vizor  was  lifted  and  she,  half 
smothered,  drew  breath  and  stared  about  her  in 
the  darkness. 


228  Mistress  Penwick 

"Thou  didst  bring  thy  servant  with  thee, 
Lady?" 

"  Who  doth  dare  inveigle  me  from  the  protec- 
tion of  my  cousin,  Lord  Cedric  ?  " 

"  I,  my  lady ;  a  simple  gentleman  of  his  Grace 
of  Monmouth's  suite, — and  at  his  order." 

"  Ah — "  'twas  long  drawn  and  somewhat 
smacked  of  satisfaction.  "  Who  is  this  female  ?  " 

"  Is  she  not  thine  ?  " 

"  Nay,  not  mine.  She  doth  play  the  hocus," 
said  her  ladyship. 

"  Who  art  thou,  then,  woman ;  how  came  yon- 
der door  to  pamper  thy  whim  ?  "  The  surprised 
guardsman  rapped  smartly  upon  the  window,  then 
pulling  it  up  leant  out  and  asked  for  a  torch.  As 
there  were  none  a-light,  he  waited  some  moments ; 
as  he  did  so,  there  came  an  answer  from  the 
figure  opposite,  — 

"  I  am  Mistress  Penwick's  waiting-woman." 
The  answer  was  satisfactory  to  the  guard. 

"  'Tis  Janet,  as  I  live,"  interrupted  Lady  Con- 
stance. She  was  not  sorry  to  have  a  companion 
of  her  own  sex,  and  Janet  would  make  herself 
generally  useful,  if  the  ride  was  long  and  her 
ladyship  should  fall  ill,  as  she  was  certain  to  do. 
She  knew  also  Janet's  motive  for  following  her. 
She  was  interested  in  nothing  but  her  mistress. 

As  the  road  seemed  rough  and  endless,  Con- 
stance became  anxious  of  her  destination  and  be- 
gan to  inquire,  as  if  in  great  anger,  why  she  was 


The  Edict  of  Buckingham  229 

thus  taken  and  for  what  purpose.  All  questions 
being  answered  perfunctorily,  she  relaxed  into 
silence.  At  last  she  asked  broadly,  — 

"  Where  are  we  to  stop  for  refreshment,  man  ; 
I  am  near  dead  with  fatigue  ?  " 

"  We  stop  at  Hornby's  Inn,  my  lady,  there  to 
meet  his  Grace." 

Janet  sat  quiet,  nor  did  she  speak  again  until 
she  stood  before  Mistress  Penwick  at  the  inn, 
where  she  sailed  in  as  if  nothing  in  the  world  had 
happened,  but  inwardly  she  fairly  wept  with  joy 
to  find  her  nurseling  happy  and  unharmed. 

The  rain  was  falling  heavily  as  Lady  Constance 
entered  the  room  where  sat  Katherine  with 
the  two  Dukes.  Dawn  seemed  to  have  gone 
back  into  night,  for  'twas  so  dark  candles 
twinkled  brightly  and  lighted  up  the  maiden's 
face  as  she  spun  a  story  of  convent  ghosts.  Hate 
flung  open  gates  through  her  ladyship's  eyes  and 
fell  a  battery  upon  Katherine's  face.  'T\vas  but 
a  thrust  of  a  glance,  but  their  Graces  noted  it  as 
they  arose  to  greet  her.  Katherine  was  answer- 
ing in  an  undertone  Janet's  questions  as  Mon- 
mouth  spoke  aside  to  her  Ladyship.  Constance 
was  not  to  be  delayed,  even  by  his  Grace,  and 
she  hastened  to  the  table  and  greeted  Katherine 
as  Lady  Cantemir. 

"  Nay,  not  so !  "  said  the  maid ;  Avhereupon 
Constance  gasped,  covering  her  defeat  by  a  great 
show  of  wonder  and  surprise.  She  fell  to  ques- 


230  Mistress  Penwick 

tioning,  her  inquiries  being  overthrown  by  Buck- 
ingham, who  adroitly  turned  the  conversation 
upon  another  matter. 

Monmouth  was  wild  with  delight  over  the 
prize  he  had  captured,  and  as  they  sat  at  meat  he 
was  pondering  upon  where  he  should  hide  the 
beauty,  for  he  feared  his  father's  predilections,  and 
'twas  sure  he  would  not  run  the  risk  of  any  such 
mischance  and  he  tossed  about  in  his  mind  the  ad- 
visability of  taking  her  to  London.  As  these 
thoughts  crowded  upon  him  he  grew  grave  and 
frowned.  Constance,  feeling  her  disappointment 
most  keenly,  saw  the  tangle  upon  the  Duke's 
brow.  It  arrested  the  quick  pulsing  of  her  own 
discontent  and  turned  her  mind  into  a  channel  of 
evil  even  more  treacherous  than  any  ideas  that 
had  assailed  her  heretofore.  It  meant,  in  case  of 
defeat,  her  own  downfall.  She  would  barter,  if 
need  be,  her  own  soul  away.  Of  such  character 
were  her  ladyship's  ambitions.  She  was  impa- 
tient for  the  final  bout  that  was  to  settle  all 
things. 

Even  the  haughty  Duke  of  Buckingham  was 
moved  by  Mistress  Penwick's  youth,  beauty  and 
innocence.  And  yet  he  thought  'twas  pitiful  she 
should  go  unclaimed  by  Court.  Her  secret  must 
be  had  at  whatever  cost,  and  seeing  the  maid 
was  neither  dismayed  nor  at  loss  by  being  thrown 
with  the  king's  son  and  the  famous  Buckingham, 
'twas  certain  nothing  less  than  extreme  measures 


The  Edict  of  Buckingham  231 

would  draw  from  her  her  secret.  Whether  these 
measures  were  foul  or  fair  was  not  of  much  con- 
sequence to  him.  If  the  maid  was  to  favour  any, 
he  would  withdraw,  giving  place  to  Monmouth, 
providing  of  course  'twas  in  his  power  to  do  so. 
And  that  'twould  be  his  power  he  did  not  doubt. 

Mistress  Penwick  saw  Monmouth's  frown  also, 
and  looked  up  at  him  smiling  and  asked, — 

"  Thou  must  not  ponder  upon  ghosts. — When 
do  we  journey,  your  Grace  ?  " 

"  When  thou  art  well  rested  and  say  the  word." 
His  face  broke  into  sunshine  and  the  maid  could 
not  fail  to  see  the  admiration  that  fell  upon  her 
from  his  Grace's  eyes.  She  flushed  rose  red.  He 
caught  her  hand  as  they  arose  from  table, 
and  pressed  it  warmly,  and  with  a  tenderness 
that  was  apparent  to  Buckingham  and  Constance. 
Should  he  press  his  suit  upon  her  now  or  Avait  ? 
He  thought  best  to  wait,  as  Janet  quickly  came 
to  her  mistress  at  a  motion  of  the  hand  that  the 
Duke  reluctantly  released.  He  allowed  her  to 
pass  to  her  chamber  without  his  escort.  Con- 
stance passed  unnoticed  by  him  from  the  room, 
and  being  well-worn  by  her  long  ride,  also  went 
above  stair,  where  she  tumbled  upon  her  bed  in 
tears,  most  unlike  Katherine  who  was  rubbed 
and  swathed  in  blankets  by  the  faithful  Janet. 


Sir  Julian  Pomphrey  had  sent  to  the  castle  and 


232  Mistress  Penwick 

procured  conveyance  and  Ells  wold's  physicians  for 
the  young  lord,  who  lay  very  white  and  weak  at 
the  monastery.  Owing  to  his  serious  wound, 
they  had  moved  very  slowly,  reaching  home  near 
three  o'clock  in  the  morning.  The  Duchess  was 
greatly  shocked  by  Cedric's  condition  and  most 
indignant  with  Mistress  Fen  wick  and  Constance. 

The  matter  was  blown  about  by  servants,  and 
before  the  dismal  rainy  day  was  ended,  all  Cran- 
dlemar  knew  of  the  goings-on  at  the  castle  and 
were  greatly  stirred  that  their  lord  had  been  so 
used  by  the  Catholics.  'Twas  inflammable  mat- 
ter that  meant  the  possible  uprising  in  arms  of 
the  whole  village.  It  was  said  the  Protestants 
were  aggrieved  that  Lord  Cedric  had  thus  long 
allowed  the  monks  freehold,  and  now  that  he  was 
helpless  they  would  take  it  upon  themselves  to 
drive  them  away  at  the  point  of  the  sword  and 
see  if,  by  so  doing,  greater  fortune  would  not  fall 
to  them,  for  such  bravery  would  certainly  bring 
them  to  their  lord's  notice  and  mayhap  he  would 
build  up  many  of  his  houses  and  do  better  by 
them  than  heretofore. 

Over  the  ale  mugs  at  the  village  inn  'twas 
Avhispered  by  the  landlord  that  the  day  before 
two  men,  wearing  masques,  had  left  the  place  to- 
gether, one  bearing  under  his  saddle-bag  a  monk's 
robe ;  and  a  crucifix  had  fallen  from  his  pocket 
as  he  mounted. 

The  men  grew  more  and  more  excited  and  fell 


The  Edict  of  Buckingham  233 

to  pledging  themselves  to  clean  out  the  ancient 
monastery  before  another  day  should  close. 

A  pale  young  man  in  fashionable  attire  sat 
apart,  drinking  deep  and  listening  with  satisfac- 
tion to  the  village  swains  and  their  elders'  talk  ; 
his  eye  in  imagination  upon  the  dark  passage  in 
the  monastery  that  hid  the  trapdoor  and — no 
doubt  the  treasures  of  the  cloister  that  lay  be- 
neath. 

'T\vas  Cantemir;  he  had  escaped  unharmed 
from  the  clutches  of  Buckingham  and  Monmouth. 
The  former  had  caught  him  hastening  from  the 
monastery  and  seizing  compelled  him  to  give 
the  information  he  sought  and  to  give  up  all  pa- 
pers on  his  person ;  which  he  did  cheerfully. 
Finding  him  a  cowardly  knave,  the  Duke  flung 
him  from  him  with  disgust.  Buckingham  had 
heard,  to  be  sure,  that  the  maid  they  sought  was 
a  hostage ;  but  whether  this  was  true,  or  would 
lead  to  matters  of  more  consequence,  he  had  yet 
to  learn. 

Buckingham,  after  a  few  hours'  sleep,  left 
Hornby's  Inn,  returning  to  the  village  of  Cran- 
dlemar.  He  wore  no  masque  this  time  and  boldly 
entered  the  inn  to  refresh  himself  and  prepare  for 
a  visit  to  the  castle.  He  took  little  heed  of  the 
slender  young  man  who  now  lay,  very  much 
drunken,  upon  a  long  bench ;  but  ordered  the 
best  wine  and  sat  down  before  a  table  that  was 
already  accommodating  some  half-dozen  men, 


234  Mistress  Penwick 

He  appeared  not  to  hear  their  excited  whispers, 
and  feigned  preoccupation  until  he  was  quite  sure 
his  manner  had  been  noted,  then  as  if  modesty 
held  him,  he  spoke, — 

"  Is  there  not  in  these  parts  a  monastery  upon 
the  estates  of  the  noble  Lord  Cedric  of  Crandle- 
mar  ? "  He  hardly  raised  his  eyes,  so  indiffer- 
ently did  he  put  the  question. 

"  There  is,  sir,"  one  said. 

"  Then  where  hath  flown  my  lord's  religion  ?  " 

This  struck  consternation  upon  the  group ;  for 
'twas  certain  they  loved  their  patron's  good  name, 
even  though  he  did  forget  their  importunities, 
and  this  sudden  thrust  struck  home.  One  whis- 
pered aside, — 

"  Perhaps  'tis  one  come  to  spy  upon  our  lord's 
intentions  and  take  him  to  the  Tower."  At  this 
one  honest,  brave  man  arose  and  leant  with  rus- 
tic grace  across  the  table  toward  the  stranger  and 
said, — 

"His  lordship  lies  ill  yonder,"  pointing  over 
his  shoulder  toward  the  castle,  "and  we  loyal 
subjects  to  his  Majesty,  claim  the  right  to  drive 
from  Protestant  soil  the  shackles  of  Catholic  free- 
holds, and  'tis  our  intention  to  come  upon  them 
—what  say  you,  fellows,  to-night  ?  " 

"  Aye,  aye ! "  rang  from  nearly  a  score  of 
tongues. 

"  'Tis  well,"  said  the  cavalier,  "  for  to-morrow 
might  have  been  too  late," 


The  Edict  of  Buckingham  235 

"  What  might  that  mean,  sir  ?  " 

"  It  means  that  Catholic  lands  and  holds  are 
sometimes  confiscated  and  in  some  cases  the 
boundary  lines  are  not  known,  and  some  good 
King  might  send  some  noble  lord  to  the  Tower 
to  search  for  the  required  limitations  of  his  de- 
mesne." 

Every  man's  hand  sought  a  weapon  and  eye 
met  eye  in  mutual  concourse. 

"  To-night,  then,  to-night  we'll  put  to  rout  the 
enemy  !  "  they  cried. 

The  cavalier,  pleased  with  the  reception  of  his 
hint,  asked  for  his  horse. 

He  arrived  at  the  castle  to  be  most  cordially 
received  by  the  Duchess  and  Sir  Julian.  If 
Buckingham  was  ever  unbending,  it  was  to  Sir 
Julian. 

As  they  met,  Buckingham  bent  lower  than  his 
wont  to  hide  a  guilt  that  was  not  perceptible  to 
any  one  else  but  Julian,  and  the  latter  was  not 
slow  to  note  it.  The  Duchess,  not  knowing  who 
had  carried  off  either  Constance  or  Mistress  Pen- 
wick,  was  very  free  in  her  conversation  and  spoke 
at  once  of  Lord  Cedric's  injury  and  of  the  naughty 
beauty  that  had  driven  him  to  it.  Buckingham's 
countenance  was  changed  by  the  assumed  expres- 
sion of  either  surprise  or  regret,  as  was  neces- 
sary and  suited. 

Upon  his  arrival  he  was  not  allowed  to  see 
either  the  Duke  or  Cedric,  and  as  his  business 


236  Mistress  Penwick 

called  for  a  speedy  return  to  London,  he  must 
leave  early  after  supper,  adding  that  he  regretted 
the  importunity  of  the  hour,  as  it  detained  the 
king's  business  with  his  Grace  of  Ellswold. 

This  of  course  changed  the  physicians'  minds, 
and  Buckingham  was  allowed  to  have  converse 
with  the  Duke  and  finished  that  he  came  to  do  at 
the  castle. 

But  Sir  Julian  had  somewhat  to  say,  and  or- 
dered his  horse  to  accompany  the  Duke  on  his 
return  journey. 

This  was  not  unlocked  for,  and  Buckingham, 
fearing  no  imbroglio,  intended  to  hasten  Sir 
Julian's  speech,  as  there  was  no  time  to  spare. 
They  started  forth  'neath  the  dripping  trees. 

"  Where  is  Mistress  Penwick,  George  ?  " 

"  "With  her  nurse,  Julian." 

"  And  where  the  nurse  ?  " 

"  At  Hornby's." 
'  Where  is  Monmouth's  place  of  hiding  her  ?  " 

"  That  is  more,  I  dare  say,  Julian,  than  he 
knows  himself." 

"  How  long  will  they  remain  at  the  inn  ?  " 

"  Until  I  return." 

"Then ?" 

"  Then,  London  way  is  my  desire,  and  I  doubt 
not  'tis  Monmouth's  also." 

"Dost  love  me,  Duke?" 

"  Aye,  as  always.     What  is  thy  desire  ?  " 

"  Canst  thou  keep  the  maid  safe  for  thirty-six 


The  Edict  of  Buckingham  237 

hours  ?  "  For  a  moment  there  was  no  answer ; 
then  calmly  and  cold  came  the  word  "  No." 

"  By  God !  is  it  so  bad  that  you,  you  George, 
cannot  take  care  of  her  ?  " 

"  'Tis  the  worst  of  all !  " 

"  Is  she  safe  then  now — now  ?  " 

"  If  the  eye  of  the  nurse  doth  not  perjure  its 
owner,  I  would  say  she  was  safe  for  all  time." 

"Good " 

"But,  Pomphrey,  one  would  wonder  at  thy 
devotion  to  Cedric  ?  " 

"  I  loved  him,  first." 

"  That  does  not  say  thou  lovest  thy  second  love 
better,  eh  ?  " 

"  By  heaven,  I  love  her,  there — thou  hast  it." 
Buckingham  gave  vent  to  his  natural  inclination 
and  laughed  boldly. 

"  Then,  follow  her.  We  may  presume  she  will 
be  safe  kept  'til  London  gives  her  rest  and  wine 
and  finds  a  locker  for  her  nurse." 

"  Then  my  errand  is  finished.  I  will  bid  thee 
adieu." 


CHAPTEK  XYI 
BUCKINGHAM'S  ADVENTURE 

BUCKINGHAM,  returning  to  the  village,  where 
his  escort  met  him,  then  went  to  a  small  unused 
cabin  in  the  thick  woods  beyond.  Here  he 
changed  his  attire,  making  ready  for  a  quick 
journey  and  one  fraught  with  some  adventure. 

As  he  donned  his  clothes,  ever  and  anon  he 
paused  to  hear  the  low  murmuring  of  voices  that 
came  up  from  the  village.  'Twas  evident  the 
mob  was  gathering. 

An  hour  he  waited  impatiently,  when  his  serv- 
ant entered,  saying  that  the  mob  had  started  and 
were  hurrying  along  the  high-road  at  great 
speed. 

The  Duke  mounted  and  rode  after  them,  quite 
far  enough  in  the  rear  for  them  not  to  hear  his 
horse's  step  or  see  as  he  passed  where  some  cot- 
tage light  fell  aslant  the  road. 

By  the  time  they  came  in  sight  of  the  monas- 
tery, he  was  exasperated  beyond  measure  to  be 
so  held  behind  and  was  in  no  mood  to  wait  the 
mob's  leisure.  He  leapt  from  his  horse  and 
threw  rein  to  his  man. 

No  light  was  to  be  seen.  It  appeared  the 
monks  had  either  deserted  their  dwelling  or  for- 

238 


Buckingham's  Adventure  239 

rifled  it  by  fastening  with  boards  the  windows 
and  doors.  The  latter  was  the  case.  The  be- 
siegers with  all  sorts  of  sticks,  stones  and  blud- 
geons began  at  once  to  bombard  the  building 
that  stood  dark  and  seemingly  impregnable. 
Buckingham  stood  some  distance  from  them,  as 
if  indeed  he  were  of  different  mould  and  could 
not  mingle  with  their  steaming,  smoking,  foul- 
smelling  bodies,  that  reeked  of  gin  and  poor  to- 
bacco. He  waited  only  for  an  entrance  to  be 
made,  that  he  might  pass  in  without  the  labour 
of  making  an  opening  for  himself.  Indeed,  his 
arm,  unused  to  such  rough  strength,  would  be- 
come unfit  to  handle  the  sword  of  a  gentleman. 

He  was  leant  upon  one  knee  behind  a  strip  of 
iris  that  bordered  a  forest  path,  when  suddenly 
he  heard  the  crash  of  glass  and  heard  a  trium- 
phant yell  from  the  mob.  He  sprang  from  his 
hiding  and  crept  toward  the  place.  A  window 
had  been  broken  in  and  the  fight  had  already 
begun.  The  monks  were  well  equipped  for  bat- 
tle with  weapon,  strength  and  stout  hearts  and  a 
good  stone  wall  for  shelter,  but  their  numbers 
were  weak. 

The  siege  was  destined  to  be  a  long  and  bloody 
one,  unless  the  ponderous  door  could  be  broken, 
for  the  mob  could  not  enter  fast  enough  through 
the  small  casement.  Should  this  be  done,  it  was 
evident  the  monks  would  be  obliged  to  either 
take  flight,  surrender  or  be  foully  murdered. 


240  Mistress  Pen  wick 

Buckingham  could  not  enter  the  window  with- 
out taking  part  in  the  fight,  and  mayhap  run  a 
great  risk  to  his  person. 

He  was  not  long  in  discovering,  however,  that 
the  doorway  was  being  bombarded  successfully, 
and  soon  the  massive  door  must  succumb. 

At  last  there  was  a  thundering  crash,  and 
broken  oak  panels  flew  through  the  air. 

The  men  rushed  in.  Buckingham  in  a  moment 
was  in  their  midst  and  fighting  his  way  through 
them.  He  flung  himself  aside  and  escaped  the 
fighting  mass  by  a  small  door  that  led  him  to  a 
passage,  where  he  regained  his  breath  and  looked 
out  for  his  bearings. 

He  found  his  way  through  many  winding 
passages  to  the  panel.  This  he  opened  and 
quickly  strode  through  to  the  trapdoor,  which 
stood  agape.  From  beneath  came  the  sound  of 
voices.  He  knelt  and  looked  down.  There  was 
no  light  to  guide  him.  Cautiously  he  descended 
the  ladder,  finding  his  way  warily  toward  the 
place  where  he  had  seen  the  chest  and  whence 
now  came  the  voices.  One  was  saying : 

"  It's  gone,  the  damn  knaves  have  secreted  it ; 
we  must  have  a  light,  Anson,  or  the  horde  above 
stair  will  be  upon  us,  and  all  the  fires  of  hell 
could  hardly  show  us  out  of  this  dungeon." 
Whereupon  the  flint  was  struck  and  the  forms  of 
three  men  were  dimly  outlined. 

They  began  running  about  nervously  in  dif- 


Buckingham's  Adventure 

ferent  directions  to  find  the  chest ;  his  Grace 
keeping  from  view  by  following  in  their  shadow. 
Back  they  went  again  to  the  spot  where  it  had 
stood,  and  as  the  light  fell  full  in  their  faces 
Buckingham  recognized  the  pale,  chiselled  coun- 
tenance of  Cantemir.  There  were  two  servants 
with  him,  which,  judging  from  their  eagerness, 
evidently  expected  perquisites. 

The  sound  above  stairs  was  growing  more  and 
more  noisome,  as  if  the  monks  were  being  pressed 
back  in  the  direction  of  the  secret  passage. 
'Twas  evident  the  Abbes  intended  this  move ; 
for  unless  there  was  egress  'twould  be  a  veritable 
slaughter  hole  and  from  the  first  they  had  kept 
together,  preferring  the  direction  of  retreat. 

Suddenly  one  of  the  men  in  front  of  Bucking- 
ham leant  down  and  traced  with  his  finger  on 
the  dusty  stone, — 

"They  have  moved  it  in  this  direction,  and 
there  is  no  mistaking  it,"  and  he  pointed  from 
the  ladder. 

They  followed  the  direction,  holding  the  light 
low,  and  came  at  once  upon  what  appeared  to  be 
a  solid  stone  wall.  Inadvertently  the  man  bear- 
ing the  lighted  taper  rested  his  arm  for  a  mo- 
ment against  the  stones.  Instantly  a  blaze 
flared  up  and  showed  a  very  cleverly  concocted 
wall.  A  canvas  had  been  padded  in  shape  of 
unhewn  stone  and  painted  in  imitation ;  the  oil  in 
the  paint  had  ignited  and  despoiled  the  illusion. 


242  Mistress  Penwick 

The  blaze  was  quenched  in  a  moment,  the 
canvas  door  pried  open  and  the  three  men  passed 
beyond,  carefully  closing  the  door  behind  them. 

Buckingham  was  close  upon  them. 

They  fled  rapidly  along,  Cantemir  following 
his  servants  and  ever  glancing  behind  with  eyes 
staring  with  fear. 

Buckingham  was  not  to  be  caught  by  fear- 
staring  eyes  and  kept  well  in  shadow. 

The  passage  was  narrow  with  many  windings 
and  appeared  to  be  interminable. 

The  men  began  to  run,  which  was  very  in- 
cautious under  the  circumstances,  for  in  a  mo- 
ment they  were  precipitated  into  a  small  cham- 
ber occupied  by  two  stalwart  monks.  The  latter 
had  barely  time  to  throw  themselves  upon  the 
defensive  ere  they  were  attacked. 

Cantemir  had  the  advantage,  as  the  monks 
were  encumbered  with  their  long  robes. 

Then  ensued  a  short  fight,  in  which  Cantemir's 
men  won  the  day — he  remaining  well  in  the 
background. 

One  of  the  servants  was  wounded  and  lay 
helpless  upon  the  floor,  his  head  falling  against 
some  object  that  held  him  in  a  semi-upright 
posture.  Cantemir  turned  with  the  torch  he  had 
taken  from  the  floor,  and  looked  about  him, 
stumbling  over  the  prostrate  bodies  of  the  monks 
as  they  lay  wounded.  Noting  his  injured  serv- 
ant's position,  he  ran  to  him,  and  seeing  the 


Buckingham's  Adventure  243 

thing  upon  which  his  head  rested,  kicked  his 
body  from  the  chest,  as  if  the  fellow  had  been 
his  enemy's  dog,  instead  of  his  own  serving  man. 

With  a  cudgel  he  and  his  comrade  opened  the 
chest,  after  first  finding  it  too  heavy  to  carry  at 
speed  and  for  an  indefinite  distance. 

Cantemir's  eyes  waxed  big  with  greed  and  de- 
light, as  he  looked  within.  He  spread  out  his 
long  fingers,  as  if  to  grasp  all  the  chest  contained. 

"  These  small  caskets  must  be  filled  with  jew- 
els. Anson,  fasten  the  torch  somehow  and  put 
these  in  the  bags.  Here  are  some  rare  laces, 
looted  from  some  dead  Croesus,  I  warrant, — put 
those  in  too  ; — those  infernal  papers — they  can 
be  of  no  consequence " 

"  Then  I  will  take  them,  my  lord,"  said  the 
servant.  Cantemir  eyed  him  with  no  fondness 
and  slipped  the  papers  within  his  own  bag. 

Buckingham,  watching  them  from  his  little 
cove  in  the  rocks,  caught  a  sound  that  made  him 
start.  It  was  very  distant  and  indistinct,  yet  he 
wras  quite  certain  some  one  was  coming,  and 
without  further  delay  he  cried  out  and  drew  his 
sword  upon  the  man  nearest  him,  which  hap- 
pened to  be  Anson. 

The  fellow  used  his  sword  fairly,  but  no  match 
for  his  adversary. 

Buckingham  run  him  through  before  the  Rus- 
sian had  regained  his  presence  of  mind. 

As    the    unfortunate    Anson    fell,   the  Duke 


244  Mistress  Pen  wick 

turned  to  Cantemir,  who  was  separated  from 
him  by  two  prone  figures  and  the  chest.  The 
Count  held  the  advantage  and  meant  to  use  it  by 
springing  ahead  into  the  opening.  There  was 
no  opportunity  for  Buckingham  to  either  reach 
him  or  head  him  off.  Cantemir  had  caught  up 
the  filled  bags  and  was  smiling  insolently  across 
at  him.  Buckingham  was  exasperated,  not  by 
the  fellow's  triumph,  but  at  his  own  helplessness 
to  cut  him  off.  But  there  was  no  time  to  be 
lost ;  those  other  sounds  were  growing  nearer. 

The  Duke  made  a  bound  toward  the  opening. 
Cantemir,  with  an  exultant  laugh,  sprung  also 
toward  the  opening,  but  his  laugh  was  turned 
into  a  yell  of  fear,  as  his  leg  was  caught  in  a 
death-like  grip  by  the  servant  he  had  kicked 
from  the  chest. 

s 

In  an  instant  Buckingham  was  upon  him  and 
binding  his  arms  tight  behind ;  the  poor,  cow- 
ardly knave  begging  at  every  breath  for  his  life. 
He  was  completely  undone  with  fright,  his  heart 
melted  and  his  knees  bent. 

"  And  would  it  not  be  thy  meed  to  run  thee 
through  also,  for  serving  thy  wounded  knave 
with  a  kick  ?  'twas  inhuman — by  God  !  'tis  a 
pity  it  takes  a  man  with  a  soul  to  suffer  the  tor- 
tures of  hell,  for  thou  wilt  never  get  thy  de- 
serts ! "  He  looked  down  and  saw  the  poor 
servant's  eyes  raised  to  his  pleadingly.  The 
Duke  drew  from  his  pocket  a  flask  of  wine  and 


Buckingham's  Adventure  245 

gave  it  to  him  ;  then  gathered  the  bags  that  lay 
filled  by  the  chest  and  hurriedly  looked  at  their 
contents.  As  he  did  so  the  wounded  knave 
feebly  raised  his  voice,  — 

"  I  will  be  killed  if  I  am  found  here." 

"  Nay,  a  gentleman —  "  and  he  cast  a  scornful 
glance  at  Cantemir, — "  would  not  kick  thee  when 
thou  art  down ;  say  nothing  of  our  most  noble 
fathers  putting  to  flight  what  small  life  thou 
hast  in  thee.  What  is  thy  name  ?  " 

"  Christopher,"  came  in  weakened  tones  from 
his  pallid  lips. 

In  another  moment  the  Duke  was  gone  with 
his  looted  treasures. 

He  flew  along  at  a  most  undignified  gait,  bear- 
ing his  pack  as  a  labourer.  His  shoulders,  un- 
used to  such  burden,  grew  tired.  He  began  to 
wonder  if  the  passage  would  never  end.  He  was 
growing  more  exhausted  than  he  cared  to  own, 
and  beside,  he  apprehended  he  was  pursued. 

At  last  he  felt  almost  compelled  to  leave  one 
of  the  bags  behind,  and  stopped  to  think  which 
one  he  should  leave.  Yet  he  was  a-mind  to  carry 
them  all  if  he  broke  his  back ;  and  beside,  it  was 
so  dark  he  was  unable  to  tell  which  was  the  more 
important. 

As  he  stood  undecided  he  heard  distinctly  the 
fast  approach  of  footsteps.  He  gathered  his 
strength  and  bags  and  flung  along,  somewhat 
refreshed  by  the  change  of  burdens.  As  he 


246  Mistress  Pen  wick 

made  a  turn,  the  fresh  outside  air  blew  upon 
him.  He  grew  cautious  and  moved  more  slowly, 
listening  now  in  both  directions.  He  might  not 
be  overtaken,  but  some  one  might  be  at  the  open- 
ing of  the  passage.  There  was  no  light  or  sound 
beyond,  and  soon  he  stood  in  the  deep  darkness 
of  the  outer  night  'neath  dripping  trees.  Warily 
he  stepped,  lest  some  cracking  twig  exposed  his 
presence. 

He  ascertained  his  surrounding  was  a  thicket, 
and  was  about  to  make  his  way  into  its  labyrin- 
thine density,  step  by  step ;  for  the  way  was  dif- 
ficult, when  there  was  a  tramping  of  horses' 
hoofs  upon  the  rain-soaked  road  that  appeared 
to  be  in  close  proximity. 

Under  cover  of  the  noise  he  swept  hastily  and 
boldly  through  the  briery  bushes  that  were 
thickly  entangled,  and  was  able  to  make  consid- 
erable headway  whence  he  had  come,  when  the 
noise  ceased  and  a  peculiar  whistle  rang  out ; 
then  there  were  a  few  moments  of  quiet,  as  if 
those  who  signalled  were  listening  for  an  answer. 

There  appeared  to  be  a  chaise  with  several  out- 
riders, as  Buckingham  thought,  by  the  tramp  of 
horses'  feet,  and  a  creaking  of  wheels  pulling 
heavily  along. 

As  he  gazed  anxiously  in  their  direction,  a 
torch  was  suddenly  set  a-glow  and  a  horseman 
rode  up  with  it  to  the  mouth  of  the  subterranean 
passage.  He  leant  from  his  steed  and  examined 


Buckingham's  Adventure  247 

the  ground  closely,  noting  doubtless  the  foot- 
prints that  led  away  from  the  road  and  directly 
to  the  place  where  the  Duke  stood.  He  turned 
abruptly  back  to  the  group  upon  the  highway 
and  conversed  in  low  tones. 

Buckingham  was  not  a  little  perturbed,  for  a 
horseman  could  with  less  trouble  than  it  takes 
to  tell  it,  track  and  overtake  him  in  a  moment's 
time.  He  fain  would  have  a  few  minutes  to  ease 
his  burden,  but  his  peril  was  great.  There  was 
no  doubt  but  what  these  men  were  monks,  come 
to  assist  their  fellows  with  the  chest  and  convey 
them  to  a  place  of  safety. 

Indeed,  the  secret  of  the  chest  must  be  royal, 
but  whether  in  jewels  or  papers  he  did  not  know, 
nor  was  it  the  time  and  place  to  find  out.  If  he 
only  knew  in  which  pack  was  the  bone  of  con- 
tention he  would  certainly  lighten  his  burden. 

Again  he  lifted  the  bags  and  strode  on  lightly, 
for  he  still  could  be  heard  to  the  highway,  if  one 
should  listen. 

He  had  not  gone  far,  however,  when  there 
was  a  shout  from  the  subterranean  opening  and 
much  confusion  following  upon  it. 

The  Duke  was  now  thoroughly  aroused. 
Doubtless  the  monks  within  the  passage  had  at 
that  moment  arrived  at  its  mouth,  there  to  make 
known  to  their  comrades  the  robbery  of  the 
chest's  contents.  They  were  in  pursuit ;  he  could 
hear  the  bushes  crackling  beneath  horses'  feet. 


248  Mistress  Penwick 

Never  before  had  the  wily  Duke  felt  so  hard 
pressed.  He  could  afford  to  be  taken  himself, 
for  he  was  sure  of  a  release  sooner  or  later  ;  but 
his  whole  being  revolted  at  the  idea  of  losing  the 
riches  of  his  burden  and  above  all — the  secret, 
the  secret  that  would  make  his  fortunes  thribble, 
the  secret  that  would  make  him  more  powerful 
than  heretofore.  The  King's  favour  would  be 
boundless.  And  George  Yilliers  turned  abruptly 
and — fell  into  a  swollen  ravine  that  was  throb- 
bing with  its  over-filled  sides.  He  straightened 
himself  to  his  full  height  and  thanked  God  for 
the  stream,  for  truly  'twas  life-giving  water. 

He  waded  in  and  found  it  hardly  came  to  his 
waist  in  the  deepest  part.  After  crossing  to  its 
farthest  bank,  he  kept  the  watery  path  for  nearly 
a  league,  thereby  throwing  his  pursuers  effec- 
tually off  the  trail.  But  where  his  course  trended, 
'twas  impossible  to  tell,  as  there  was  no  moon, 
and  the  stars  were  veiled  by  thick  cloud  that 
vomited  forth  rain  in  gusts. 

The  leather  bags  were  very  near  rain-soaked 
and  had  become  so  heavy  'twas  impossible  for 
anything  less  than  a  beast  of  burden  to  carry 
them  further,  so  leaving  the  friendly  stream,  he 
walked  some  little  distance  from  it,  gaining  to 
his  surprise  an  open  road.  This  was  not  what  he 
wished,  and  was  turning  from  it  when  he  stum- 
bled and  fell  prone.  Being  hot  with  anger  and 
fatigue,  he  reached  for  the  obstacle  that  had  so 


Buckingham's  Adventure  249 

unmanned  him  to  damn  it.  'Twas  a  large,  round 
knot.  It  struck  his  memory,  as  he  held  it,  with 
a  thought  of  the  morning  before. 

"  Eureka  !  "  he  cried,  as  he  felt  the  very  pres- 
ence of  the  tall  tree  by  the  public  highway  that 
led  from  Crandlemar,  London  way.  He  arose 
and  reached  for  the  aperture. 

"  Egad,  'tis  there !  " 

Fortunately  the  royal  tree  was  not  far  from 
the  unused  cabin  that  had  afforded  him  accom- 
modation some  hours  before.  He  immediately 
sat  down  upon  the  bags  and  rested. 

There  passed  him  several  horsemen  and  a 
chaise ;  whether  they  were  his  whilom  compan- 
ions of  the  thicket  or  not  he  did  not  care.  It 
was  sure  they  were  in  haste  to  leave  the  village 
as  far  behind  them  as  possible. 

When  the  sound  of  the  horses'  hoofs  had  died 
away,  he  again  donned  his  leathery  burden  and 
made  for  the  depths  behind  him. 

He  was  not  long  in  reaching  the  rendezvous, 
and  was  met  by  his  anxious  servant,  who  had  but 
just  arrived  from  seeking  him. 

The  exhausted  Duke  gave  orders  for  one  hour's 
rest,  then  fell  upon  a  pile  of  blankets  that  were 
spread  upon  the  damp  and  open  floor. 

An  hour  later  saw  the  Duke  astride  his  horse, 
that  stood  with  flaring  nostrils,  caring  not  a  whit 
for  his  extra  burden  of  saddle-bags  and  flew 
along  the  wet  road,  regardless. 


250  Mistress  Penwick 

Hours  after  his  master  jumped  from  his  back 
at  Hornby's. 

The  morning  was  far  advanced  and  Mistress 
Penwick  was  fretting  under  the  delay. 

Monmouth  had  plead  that  the  weather  was  too 
wet  and  Lady  Constance  was  too  ill  to  proceed 
until  the  following  day. 

The  maid  had  demurred,  saying  Janet  might 
remain  with  her  ladyship ;  but  Monmouth  was 
not  quite  at  liberty  to  take  Katherine  without 
first  seeing  Buckingham,  whom  he  thought  should 
have  arrived  early  in  the  morning. 

As  Buckingham  came  into  the  great  room  of  the 
inn,  Katherine  proposed  they  set  out  at  once,  as  she 
would  reach  Whitehall,  if  possible,  before  Sunday. 

It  was  not  the  Duke's  wish  to  proceed  further 
without  resting  himself  and  horse ;  but  being 
anxious  to  please  Mistress  Penwick,  he  said 
'twould  be  his  pleasure  to  start  at  her  conven- 
ience ;  whereupon  she  relaxed  her  ardour,  find- 
ing no  opposition,  and  asked  him  if  he  thought 
the  weather  would  permit.  He  answered  that 
the  weather  must  permit,  and  that  they  could 
easily  reach  their  destination  without  killing 
more  than  three  relays. 

"  Nay,  nay,  your  Grace,  if  one  horse  only  were 
to  die,  I  would  not  permit  such  hurry  !  " 

Suffice  it ;  the  Duke  had  his  rest,  and  being  of 
no  mind  to  remain  longer,  at  five  o'clock  in  a  gale 
of  wind  and  rain  set  forth. 


Buckingham's  Adventure  251 

They  had  but  common  post-chaises  as  any  squire 
would  have,  as  these  travelled  about  without 
drawing  the  attention  that  a  London  coach  would. 
They  rattled  and  slid  along  at  their  own  conven- 
ience on  the  muddy  road,  and  the  postilion  were 
soon  reeking  with  mire  thrown  from  the  horses' 
feet. 

For  five  hours  the  chaise  jostled  Constance,  un- 
til she  declared  she  would  go  no  farther.  Buck- 
ingham, who  rode  with  his  secret  in  the  chaise 
that  followed,  said  if  they  stopped  to  rest  over 
night,  they  could  not  reach  Whitehall  before  the 
King  should  leave. 

This  was  a  ruse  planned  by  himself  and  Mon- 
mouth,  as  the  latter  had  settled  where  he  should 
take  Katherine,  and  the  former,  not  having  had 
time  to  examine  the  contents  of  the  bags,  was 
loath  she  should  see  the  King  ere  he  had  done  so. 

Katherine,  seeing  that  Constance'  lips  were  blue 
and  her  face  pale,  and  forgetting  her  ladyship's 
evil  ways,  agreed  they  should  stop  at  the  first  inn 
and  there  lie  until  the  next  morning;  Janet 
having  declared  privately  to  her  mistress  that  she 
should  not  waste  any  time  with  her  ladyship. 

Though  the  night  was  black  and  the  road  un- 
certain, yet  they  maintained  a  fair  pace  over  the 
open  downs,  having  left  the  shadowy  trees  be- 
hind ;  but  there  were  no  lights  ahead  and  the 
prospects  of  getting  shelter  for  the  night  were 
dubitable. 


252  Mistress  Penwick 

Constance  became  more  and  more  impatient, 
pulling  up  the  window  every  few  minutes  to  in- 
quire if  any  lights  were  to  be  seen,  each  time  let- 
ting in  a  shower  of  rain  that  deluged  her  dress. 
This  dampness  was  soon  felt  by  her  ladyship, 
whose  temper  could  hardly  keep  her  warm,  and 
she  called  for  blankets.  There  were  none.  At 
this  knowledge  she  grew  worse,  and  cried  that 
she  was  in  a  chill  and  must  have  aid  from  some- 
where. 

For  a  truth,  her  teeth  were  chattering  and  her 
hands  were  cold,  but  it  was  nothing  but  mimosis 
brought  on  by  the  evil  caldron  that  boiled  within 
her  wicked  body.  She  had  heard  Buckingham 
tell  Katherine  that  the  King  would  be  gone  from 
Whitehall  if  they  were  delayed.  Her  plans  were 
now  made,  and  this  sudden  illness  was  a  ruse  to 
detain  the  maid.  No,  she  must  not  see  the  King. 
She  must  now,  first  of  all,  become  Monmouth's 
mistress,  then  Cedric  in  his  wild  despair  would 
turn  again  to  her ;  his  playfellow,  his  old  love, 
Constance. 

Whether  the  postilion  were  in  their  master's 
confidence  or  not  is  not  certain,  but  just  before 
midnight  they  plunged  into  a  narrow,  miry  road 
that  traversed  wastes  and  low  coppices ;  the  plash 
of  the  horses'  feet  showed  the  tract  to  be  marshy 
and  full  of  pools.  Her  ladyship  looked  out  across 
the  dreary  fen  and  exclaimed,  — 

"I'll  be  damned,  they  have  set  us  out  like 


Buckingham's  Adventure  253 

ducks  !  "  At  her  words  Katherine  drew  from  her 
with  disgust.  It  was  the  first  she  had  heard  her 
swear ;  but  she  had  not  yet  seen  her  true  nature. 

On  a  sudden  the  chaise  made  a  lunge  and 
stopped  in  a  deep  rut.  Some  one  plodded  labo- 
riously to  the  door  and  thrust  in  a  rain-soaked 
visage,  saying,  — 

"  Their  Graces  beg  your  patience,  as  we  cannot 
move  until  help  comes.  There  is  a  light  ahead, 
and  we  hope  to  get  on  directly." 

It  was  hours,  however,  before  the  lumbering 
equipages  were  pried  out  and  started  on.  The 
light  beyond  had  paled  as  dawn  broke.  They 
were  once  more  upon  the  causeway,  and  the 
horses'  feet  beating  with  loud  and  even  step  upon 
the  wet  road. 

Constance  had  calmed,  and  with  the  other  oc- 
cupants slept  through  the  long  delay.  Nor  did 
she  wake  until  they  had  entered  a  thick  wood 
where  the  branches  of  the  trees  swept  tumul- 
tuously  against  the  window.  Then  she  opened  her 
eyes  with  a  start  and  saw  Katherine  still  sleep- 
ing, her  head  pillowed  on  Janet's  bosom.  Her 
limbs  were  stiff  from  their  cramped  position. 
Yainly  she  essayed  to  stretch,  and  cried  out  as  a 
rheumatic  pain  took  her.  She  swore  roundly  and 
vowed  she  would  alight  at  the  first  hut  they 
should  come  upon. 

It  seemed  hours  before  they  came  to  a  long, 
low  stone  building,  evidently  an  old-time  lodge. 


254:  Mistress  Pen  wick 

It  was  covered  with  ivy  that  trembled  and 
glistened  in  the  wind  and  rain. 

The  chaises  stopped  at  the  door,  which  was 
thrown  open  by  an  outrider  who  knocked  up  the 
locker  with  his  whip  handle. 

The  opening  disclosed  great,  high-backed  pews 
and  an  altar  and  pulpit.  It  was  indeed  a  place 
of  refuge  to  the  weary  travellers.  It  was  dry  and 
clean  and  afforded  rest.  Katherine  stepped  inside 
first,  and  immediately  knelt  and  crossed  herself. 
Monmouth  did  the  same,  knowing  that  the  maid's 
eyes  were  upon  him. 

They  took  seats  not  far  from  the  altar  and  set- 
tled themselves  comfortably ;  for  the  servants 
had  gone  to  find  food  and  fresh  horses. 

Katherine  was  stirred  by  the  sacredness  of  the 
day  and  place,  and  took  little  part  in  the  conver- 
sation that  was  becoming  more  and  more  ani- 
mated, as  the  Dukes  and  Constance  drank  heavily 
of  wine  brought  from  Monmouth's  box  in  the 
chaise.  And  when  meat,  bread  and  cheese  were 
brought  and  more  wine  was  drank,  her  ladyship 
became  maudlin  and  cast  her  eye  about  for  diver- 
sion. 

It  fell  upon  the  pulpit,  and  she  tripped  up  to  it, 
passing  over  the  sacred  altar  in  vulgar  insouciance. 

It  pained  Katherine  to  see  the  place  so  lightly 
esteemed,  and  she  gave  a  little  cry  of  "  Oh  !  "  as 
Constance  threw  open  the  Bible  and  began  to 
preach  in  mockery  of  the  Methody  parson. 


Buckingham's  Adventure  255 

Buckingham's  face  was  as  stolid  as  Janet's ; 
Monmouth's  bearing  a  smile  that  was  bastard  of 
mirth. 

Hardly  was  her  ladyship  started,  when  a  tall 
form,  strong  boned  and  sinewy,  strode  through 
the  open  door.  His  ruddy  face  disclosed  what 
appeared  to  be  a  stern  and  rough  temper.  His 
forehead  was  high  ;  his  nose  well  set  over  a 
mouth  moderately  large.  His  habit  was  plain 
and  modest.  The  rain  dripped  from  his  red 
hair  and  the  bit  of  mustachio  that  he  wore  on 
his  upper  lip.  His  quick,  sharp  eye  noted  the 
men  and  women  that  sat  apart,  and  then  turned 
like  a  flash  upon  the  woman  in  the  pulpit. 

As  Constance  saw  the  man  full  in  the  face, 
there  was  a  bathos  in  her  zeal,  and  she  stopped, 
open-mouthed,  and  closed  the  book. 

Neither  Buckingham  nor  Monmouth  could  see 
the  countenance  of  him  that  entered,  so  they  held 
quiet  and  wondered  at  her  ladyship's  behaviour. 
Katherine  had  bent  her  head  upon  the  back  of 
the  seat. 

The  tall  man  proceeded  up  the  aisle,  his  eyes 
upon  the  titled  woman  whose  face  was  now  cov- 
ered with  a  genuine  blush.  For  the  first  time  in 
her  life  she  felt  ashamed.  She  felt  a  presence 
near  her  that  was  not  altogether  of  this  earth's 
mould. 

At  last  regaining  a  semblance  of  her  usual 
aplomb,  she  stepped  from  the  pulpit  and  made 


256  Mistress  Pen  wick 

toward  the  door,  where  others  were  entering. 
She  looked  back  when  half-way  down  the  aisle 
and  beckoned  to  the  others  of  her  party  to  fol- 
low. As  she  did  so,  there  came  from  the  pulpit 
a  voice  so  rich  and  sweet,  so  penetrating  the  soul, 
the  woman  trembled  and  listened. 

It  was  the  "  Kyrie  Eleison  "  sung  in  a  new 
tune  with  clear,  strong  English  words,  and  they 
rung  and  rung  in  Constance'  ears,  as  they  contin- 
ued to  do  for  the  rest  of  her  days. 

"  He  is  a  Ranter.  Let  us  stay  and  hear  him  ?  " 
Monmouth  said. 

"  Nay,"  said  Katherine  ;  "  I  am  without  cov- 
ering for  my  head.  Let's  begone,  the  meeting 
is  gathering.  "What  a  glory  is  in  his  counte- 
nance, and  his  voice  is  like  music !  " 

"  The  lack  of  a  bonnet  need  not  hinder.  Thou 
art  a  lady  and  privileged." 

"  Nay,  nay.  I  would  know  who  he  is  ?  "  Mon- 
mouth plucked  the  sleeve  of  a  passer-by  and  in- 
quired. The  man  answered  with  a  question  put  in 
a  whisper,— 

"  Hast  never  read  '  Pilgrim's  Progress '  ?  " 
The  Duke  threw  back  a  glance  at  the  form  in 
the  pulpit,  then  strode  forward  and  jumped  into 
the  chaise. 


CHAPTEK  XVII 

TELLS   OF  THE  DOINGS  OF  ALL  CONCERNED 

THE  house  stood  surrounded  by  a  beautiful 
lawn  that  sloped  gradually  to  the  river.  Trees 
in  full  leaf  and  woody  perennial  plants  in 
full  blossom,  dotted  the  sward.  The  long,  low 
stone  building  was  covered  with  vines  that  hung 
in  rich  purple  bloom.  All  was  quiet,  refined, 
subdued — without  pomp.  Not  so  was  the  chief 
inmate  of  this  charming  abode.  She  stood 
gowned  in  filmy  white,  waiting  for  Janet  to 
spread  her  repast,  but  the  nurse  moved  at  leisure, 
resolving  to  give  the  maid  meat  for  thought,  a& 
she  did  for  the  body.  She  said : 

"  When  a  maid  is  without  father  or  mother, 
and  away  from  her  rightful  guardians,  and  has 
presented  her  such  frocks  as  thou  dost  wear,  'tis 
the  maid's  duty  to  find  out  whence  such  gor- 
geous and  unmonastic  apparel  comes." 

"But,  Janet,  I  do  know.  The  Abbes  have 
made  provision  for  me.  They  bade  me  leave  the 
castle  without  incumbrance,  and  the  chest  was 
sent  for  my  necessity.  I  mean  to  pay  it  all 
back  when  I  return — or  when  I  send  to  Lord 
Cedric." 

"  And  when  will  that  be,  Lambkin  ?  " 

257 


258  Mistress  Penwick 

"  When  the  King  gives  me  audience." 

"  And  thou  art  expecting  the  Duke  of  Mon- 
mouth  to  bring  the  word  from  Whitehall  ?  " 

"  He  said  'twas  his  pleasure  so  to  do." 

"  Now  God  pity  me  this  day ;  I  would  I  had 
never  seen  it ! " 

"Why  wearest  thou  so  sorry  a  face,  Janet?" 

"For  thy  too  fat  zeal.  Is  it  not  enough  to 
make  an  ingrowing  visage  ?  " 

"  How  so  ?  "  said  Katherine  in  feigned  insou- 
ciance. 

"  A  surfeit  of  good,  like  a  too-full  cup,  boils 
over  and  falls  to  ill." 

"  Then,  Janet,  surfeit  sin  'til  it  bubbles  up, 
runs  over, — perhaps  a  better  cup  to  fill." 

f<  Alack,  alas,  for  youth's  philosophy  !  " 

"At  what  art  thou  driving,  nurse;  thou  canst 
neither  affect  Shakespeare  nor  the  Bible  !  " 

"  Have  I  not  always  loved  thee,  Lambkin ; 
search  thy  memory  ;  did  I  ever  tell  thee  lies  or 
use  the  veil  of  falsehood  to  cover  from  thee  that 
which  I  would  not  have  thee  know  ?  " 

"  Nay ;  but  thou  hast  used  artifice  'til  it  •  is 
threadbare,  and  I  now  behold  its  naked  warp." 

"  But  hast  well  served,  thou  canst  not  deny. 
It  has  made  thee  the  sweet  innocent  bud  thou 
art,  and  we  will  enshrine  its  shade,  though  it 
hath  no  soul  to  join  it  hereafter,  and  I  will  resort 
to  vulgar  frankness,  employed  by  the  truculent 
commonplace,  and  say  we  live  in  an  age  of 


Tells  of  the  Doings  of  all  Concerned   259 

swaggering,  badgering,  immoral-begotten,  vice- 
ridden,  irreligious  decrepitude — "  Katherine 
made  a  hissing  noise  with  her  teeth,  as  if  she  had 
been  suddenly  and  severely  pricked  by  a  pin, 
then  put  up  her  hands  and  stopped  her  ears — 
"  and  this  day,  Mistress  Penwick  thou  shalt 
know  the  character  of  thy  King —  Nay,  thou 
shalt  know.  I  will  tell  thee  that  'twill  poison  thy 
mind  of  one  of  so  great  station " 

"  Wouldst  thou  assail  his  morals,  Janet  ?  " 

"'Tis  impossible  to  assail  that  a  man  hath 
not." 

"  Then  'twould  be  a  field  for  sweet  mission  to 
teach  him  morals." 

"And  wouldst  thou  delegate  thyself  to  such 
an  office?" 

"  Aye,  why  not  ?  " 

"Because  he  would  steal  thy  knowledge  ere 
thou  hadst  found  his  heart,  and  thou  wouldst 
find  thyself  insolvent  of  virtue." 

"  Thou  hast  overreached  artifice,  Janet,  and 
gone  back  to  Bible  days  and  corrupted  them  by 
borrowing  parabolic  speech  to  waste  upon  deaf- 
eared  seventeenth  century  maid." 

"  Ah,  Lambkin  ;  with  closed  ears  thou  dost  not 
becalm  sight  and  wit,  they  cease  not  to  fructify 
under  suasion  of  childhood  impregnations.  I 
fear  not  for  thee,  if  thou  art  forewarned.  If 
thou  art  taken  to  the  King,  he  will  straightway 
be  enamoured  of  thy  beauteous  face  and  will 


260  Mistress  Penwick 

wish  to  have  thee  near  him,  and  because  he  is  ©f 
so  great  a  title,  he  will  expect  to  mould  thee  to 
his  desires,  whether  'tis  thy  will  or  not.  He  may 
perhaps  overawe  thee,  and  thou  wilt  feel  flattered 
by  his  approaches,  which  will  seem  sincere  to 
thy  untutored  perceptions.  'Twill  be  thy  first 
meeting  with  a  King.  There  is  one  thing  most 
sure,  thou  wilt  not  think  him  handsome ;  he  has 
not  the  rich  colouring  that  so  marks  Lord  Cedric's 
face,  nor  yet  the  clearness  of  countenance.  The 
King  is  most  swarthy,  gross  featured  and  un- 
fitted to  thy  fancy.  And  how  wouldst  thou  like 
such  to  approach  thee  and  fondle  thy  hand — per- 
haps imprint  thy  cheek  with  a  caress,  or  his  long 
fingers  to  go  a  foraging  on  thy  slender  neck  ?  " 

"  Nay,  nay,  Janet ;  I  should  most  surely  hate 
such  an  one.  I  am  sure  I  should  hate !  hate ! " 

"  But  'tis  surely  to  what  thou  art  coming." 

"But,  Janet,  the  Duke  of  Monmouth  is  the 
King's  son,  and  his  Grace  of  Buckingham  his 
friend ;  and  with  these  two  at  my  side,  what 
harm  could  come  to  me  ?  " 

"  Should  the  King  propose  to  keep  thee  with 
him,  could  they  lie  like  slaves  or  dogs  across  thy 
threshold  in  the  dead  hours  of  night  to  keep  un- 
welcome visitors  from  thy  door  ?  "  Katherine's 
eyes  appeared  on  a  sudden  to  open  wide  upon  a 
thing  she  had  not  dreamed  of  before. 

"  Indeed,  Janet,  I  think  I  see  the  trend  of  thy 
parables.  He  is  then  debauched  and  given  to 


Tells  of  the  Doings  of  all  Concerned    261 

entering  rooms  not  his  own  at  any  hour  he 
chooses.  I  will  be  most  careful  and  avoid  spend- 
ing the  night." 

"  But  he  may  insist  on  thy  presence,  and  no 
one  dare  gainsay  the  Koyal  will." 

"  I  am  for  the  time  of  his  dominion,  but  we  can 
claim  at  any  moment  King  Louis'  protection,  and 
therefore  I  may  defy  him  if  I  wish  ?  " 

"  'Twill  be  like  jumping  from  the  river  into 
the  sea.  I  understand,  Lambkin,  thou  art  bent 
upon  paying  well  for  thy  popish  idolatry.  If 
his  Majesty  sets  black  eyes  on  thee,  thou  art 
undone.  If  thou  art  determined  to  go,  we  must 
have  some  way  to  prevent  his  falling  in  love  with 
thee.  Thou  wilt  be  willing  to  do  this  for  me  and 
—thyself,  Love  ?  " 

"  Then  I  might  not  become  that  I  so  much 
wish — a  Lady  of  Honour ! " 

"  That  phrase,  my  Lambkin,  is  paradoxical — 
1  Lady  of  Honour.' " 

"Janet,  thou  dost  turn  all  sweets  to  bitter- 
ness ! — Then  I  will  mottle  my  face  and  wear  a 
hump  and  be  spurned  outright.  'Twill  ill  serve 
me.  'Twill  not  accord  a  safe  issue." 

"  Thou  must  not  forget  the  King  hath  a  tender 
heart  for  distress,  and  now  I  think  on  it,  'tis  pos- 
sible, if  thou  didst  so  disfigure  thyself,  thou 
wouldst  gain  his  reply  the  quicker.  We  will 
mottle  thy  face  with  leprous  spots  and  cover  thee 
with  old  woman's  clothes,  placing  a  hump  upon 


262  Mistress  Pen  wick 

thy  shoulder.  And  no  one  shall  be  privy  to  our 
scheme  but  his  Grace,  and  my  lord  of  Bucking- 
ham, if  they  are  to  attend  us."  Janet  felt  satis- 
fied with  the  turn  affairs  had  taken. 

"I  think  I  shall  enjoy  it  hugely.  'Twill  be 
fine  sport  to  so  puzzle  the  King,  and  when  he  sees 
me  as  I  am — "  and  Mistress  Penwick  turned 
proudly  to  a  mirror — "  he  will  be  pleased ! " 

"We  will  not  think  of  that  now,  Lambkin. 
When  dost  thou  expect  her  ladyship  ?  " 

"  She  did  not  say,  but  I  think  perchance  she 
will  come  before  the  Duke  of  Monmouth  re- 
turns." 

"  And  he  will  not  come  before  the  morrow, 
didst  thou  say  ?  " 

"When  I  demurred  at  not  going  straight  to 
his  Majesty,  he  said  'twould  be  meet  for  me  to 
remain  here  until  he  should  first  see  him ;  then 
he  should  return  in  a  day.  Those  were  his 
words,  Miss  Wadham,  verbatim, — now  thou  dost 
know  everything  I  do,  but — the  church  secret ; 
and  if  thou  wert  not  insolvent  for  ways  and 
means,  thou  wouldst  have  had  that."  With  a 
sudden  step,  the  maid  flung  her  arms  about  Janet, 
who  ever  felt  hurt  when  called  Miss  Wadham. 

Katherine  sat  to  her  evening  meal  with  many 
flutterings  of  pleasure  in  her  young  and  guileless 
heart.  Her  first  thought  was  of  Cedric.  He  was 
going  to  live  and  doubtless  would  follow  her  as 
soon  as  he  was  able?  and  she  would  again  see  his 


Tells  of  the  Doings  of  all  Concerned    263 

handsome  features  and  hear  him  admonish  her 
with  a  tenderness  she  was  sure  he  would  show 
after  being  so  frightened  by  her  absence.  It  did 
not  come  to  her  that  she  should  be  in  sackcloth 
and  ashes  for  causing  him  such  woeful  pain  and 
misery.  She  only  tried  to  remember  how  he 
looked,  as  many  a  love-sick  maiden  hath  done 
heretofore.  She  pictured  the  rich  colouring  of 
his  cheeks  and  how  his  dark  eyes  had  looked  into 
hers  ;  and  she  remembered  how  once  he  had  thus 
beheld  her,  his  glance  sweeping  her  face,  then  he 
had  taken  her  hand  and  pressed  his  lips  to  it 
passionately.  Her  face  grew  rose  red  and  she 
trembled  with  ecstasy.  She,  so  perfect  in  mould 
and  health,  was  capable  of  extravagant  and  over- 
powering emotion ;  a  rapturous  exaltation  that 
filled  her  and  took  possession  of  her  whole  being. 
She  tried  to  turn  her  thoughts  to  Sir  Julian,  and 
wondered  vaguely  why  he  had  not  come  to  Lon- 
don. He  had  intended  leaving  the  castle  before 
this ;  and  why  had  he  not  found  her  ?  He  might 
know  she  would  like  to  inquire  of  those  at  home, 
— the  Duke  of  Ells  wold  and  the  others  that  were 
ill.  The  thought  seemed  to  grow  upon  her,  and 
she  wondered  more  and  more  why  no  one  had 
been  sent  after  her,  and  how  very  welcome  Sir 
Julian  would  be.  Could  it  be  that  Lord  Cedric 
was  too  ill  for  him  to  leave  ? 

The  Dukes  had  fairly  left  Constance  and  Kath- 
erine  at  the  very  door  of  this  villa  belonging 


264  Mistress  Penwick 

to  one  of  Monmoutli's  friends,  and  proceeded  at 
once  to  Whitehall,  where  they  needs  must  report 
of  their  visit  to  the  Duke  of  Ellswold.  The 
King  detained  them  near  his  person,  much  to  the 
annoyance  of  Buckingham  and  serious  discom- 
fort to  Monmouth.  The  latter,  so  anxious  for 
the  companionship  of  Mistress  Penwick,  could 
not  help  but  show  his  uneasiness  and  hurry  to 
withdraw,  which  made  his  Majesty  still  more 
obstinate. 

Two  days  Katherine  had  been  thus  alone  at 
the  villa,  little  knowing  the  idea  of  bringing  her 
cause  to  the  King's  notice  was  the  most  foreign 
to  either  Buckingham  or  Monmouth,  the  latter 
wishing  to  promote  his  own  cause  with  her  until 
she  should  become  satisfied  to  remain  at  his  side, 
without  seeking  further  Court  favour.  The 
former  gentleman  had  among  his  looted  treasures 
certain  papers  that  made  necessary,  for  his  OAvn 
personal  aggrandizement,  the  strict  seclusion  of 
Mistress  Penwick. 

Lady  Constance  had  been  so  thwarted — her 
mode  of  battle  proving  so  abortive — she  resolved 
to  fight  as  things  came  in  her  way,  without 
method  or  forethought.  There  was  only  one 
settled  arrangement ;  that  was  the  full  and  com- 
plete destruction  of  this  woman  that  had  come 
between  her  and  Cedric.  She  had  gone,  after  a 
few  hours  of  rest  at  the  villa,  to  the  mercer's  for 
silks  and  velvets  and  furbelows  to  array  herself 


Tells  of  the  Doings  of  all  Concerned    265 

for  conquest  and  take — now  that  she  had  fair 
hold  on  Royalty  itself — some  masculine  heart ;  if 
not  the  heart,  the  hand  without  it ;  if  not  Ced- 
ric's,  be  it  whose  it  might,  so  it  were  titled  and 
rich.  She  also  sought  Cantemir  and  news  from 
Crandlemar. 

As  she  stood  at  the  polished  counter  in  the 
mercer's  shop,  she  glanced  without  and  saw — or 
thought  as  much — Lord  Cedric  himself,  pale,  yet 
stepping  in  full  strength  from  a  chair.  She 
quitted  the  counter  and  hastened  to  the  entrance 
and  looked  up  and  down  the  busy  street  with 
longing  eyes.  But  there  was  no  sign  of  my  lord's 
handsome  figure.  After  securing  her  purchase, 
she  repaired  at  once  to  Lord  Taunton's — a  kins- 
man of  Cedric's — 'twas  possible  he  would  be 
stopping  there.  But  he  was  not. 

She  rode  from  place  to  place,  hoping  at  every 
turn  to  see  him ;  but  to  her  chagrin  she  found 
him  not,  even  at  a  certain  inn  in  Covent  Garden, 
where  he  had  been  wont  to  stay.  She  drove  in 
her  cream-hued  coach  to  the  Mall,  but  he  was 
not  to  be  found. 

Her  first  act  after  reaching  London  had  been 
to  dispatch  a  letter  posthaste  to  the  castle, 
telling  of  her  abduction  by  the  Duke  of  Mon- 
mouth,  who,  she  believed  was  determined  to 
bring  herself  and  Mistress  Penwick  to  the  King's 
notice,  as  he  avowed  Court  was  not  Court  with- 
out such  faces.  She,  being  so  widely  known  and 


266  Mistress  Penwick 

so  well  connected,  had  been  allowed  her  freedom, 
on  condition  that  she  returned  promptly  and 
keep  their  hiding  place  a  secret.  Then  came  that 
she  felt  would  touch  Cedric. 

"  I  overheard  some  converse  about  your  Lord- 
ship, a  hint  that  some  knave  gave  thee  a  slight 
wound.  Now,  if  this  be  true,  if  thou  art  hurt  at 
all — which  I  cannot  allow  myself  to  think — tell 
me,  tell  me,  Cedric,  and  I  will  fly  from  Court 
and  all  the  world  to  thee,  my  sweet  cousin,  my 
playfellow,  my  beloved  friend,  now." 

This  letter  fortunately  did  not  reach  Cedric  in 
time  to  give  him  a  relapse,  as  he  was  on  his  way 
to  London  when  the  courier  arrived  at  the  castle. 

He  had  drawn  rein  at  Tabard  Inn,  South wark. 
It  abutted  on  the  Thames  and  was  opposite  the 
city,  and  it  suited  his  fancy  to  stop  here,  rather 
than  ride  into  London.  His  business  was  private 
and  not  far  from  his  present  quarters.  His  wound 
had  healed  enough  to  give  him  no  trouble,  and 
action  kept  his  mind  easy.  He  had  seen  Con- 
stance with  as  fleeting  a  glimpse  as  hers  had  been 
of  him.  It  was  quite  enough,  however,  he  wish- 
ing never  to  set  eyes  upon  her  again. 

That  evening  he  went  to  seek  Buckingham  at 
the  Royal  Palace.  He  had  no  austere  regard  for 
the  pomp  and  splendour  of  the  Court  at  best, 
and  now  he  was  almost  unconscious  of  his  sur- 
roundings. His  azure-hued  costume  was  magnifi- 
cent in  its  profusion  of  embroidery  and  precious 


Tells  of  the  Doings  of  all  Concerned    267 

stones.  There  were  none  more  handsome  of  face 
or  figure.  Courtiers  and  wits  abounded,  but  none 
more  courtly  or  witty  than  he,  when  he  was 
moved.  None  bowed  before  his  Majesty's  dais 
with  more  grace,  appearing  more  a  king  than  he 
who  filled  the  Eoyal  chair.  He  erred  not  in  the 
most  minute  detail  of  demeanour.  There  was  no 
one  in  the  realm  that  held  more  of  his  Majesty's 
regard. 

After  being  detained  some  moments  at  the 
Royal  chair,  he  went  to  seek  Buckingham, 
whose  first  words  smote  him  foolishly. 

"  It  is  said,  my  lord,  that  Love  hath  Cupid's 
wings,  and  I  verily  believe  William  was  right,  or 
else  how  couklst  thou  have  fluttered  from  a  couch 
of  painful  wounds  to  London  either  by  chaise  or 
a  horse  ?  Ah  ! — Love  is  nascent ;  after  cycles  of 
time  it  may  become  mature  enough  to  be  intro- 
duced into  Court — eh  ! — my  lord  ?  " 

"  Contemporary  chronicles  relate  that  the  mind 
is  capable  of  greater  suffering  than  the  body,  and 
when  both  are  affected,  if  we  give  precedence  to 
the  employment  of  the  mind,  the  body  is  at  once 
cured  ;  hence  my  sound  chest.  Hast  thou  seen 
Sir  Julian  ?  " 

"  He  is  with  Monmouth  in  his  chamber.  They 
have  been  drinking  deep,  or  at  least  the  Duke, 
who  is  pouring  out  in  Pomphrey's  ear  confi- 
dences almost  too  maudlin  to  be  understood ; " 
and  there  was  a  covert  sneer  on  the  haughty  lips 


268  Mistress  Penwick 

of  his  Grace.  At  the  name  of  Monmouth  and 
the  knowledge  that  he  was  not  with  Katherine, 
Cedric's  great  tension  appeared  to  snap  asunder. 
For  a  moment  Buckingham  gazed  at  his  compan- 
ion as  if  in  him  there  were  undiscovered  mines. 
Then  suddenly  his  mind  and  eye  returned  to  the 
tangible,  and  he  run  his  arm  through  that  of 
Cedric's  and  drew  him  away.  When  they  were 
quite  alone,  the  Duke,  without  the  shadow  of 
compunction,  said, — 

"  You,  my  lord,  are  ambitious  of  nothing  but 
domesticity.  Is  it  not  so  ?  "  His  Lordship  looked 
up  with  a  start.  If  there  was  one  thing  he  hated 
more  than  another,  it  was  intrigue.  And  though 
he  was  ever  environed  by  it,  yet  'twas  not  his 
business  now.  He  had  come  seeking  Bucking- 
ham for  the  purpose  of  asking  his  assistance  with 
the  Duke  of  Monmouth,  and  at  these  words,  so 
foreign  from  his  interests,  he  frowned  slightly 
and  answered,— 

"'T  would  be  difficult  to  say  at  what  I  aspire, 
seeing  the  thing  I  coveted  most  is  taken  from 
me.  If  that  were  mine,  it  might  open  up  a  vista 
of  aspirations  I  had  ne'er  thought  on  heretofore. 
I  see  only  one  thing  at  the  present  worth  pos- 
sessing." 

"And  to  possess  that — thou  art  one  of  the 
richest  nobles  in  the  realm — eh  !  Cedric  ?  "  His 
Lordship  thought  he  saw  the  trend  of  his  Grace's 
mind,  and  felt  better. 


Tells  of  the  Doings  of  all  Concerned   269 

"  I'm  rich  to  be  sure,  egad  !  What's  the  game, 
faro,  loo,  crib,  langquement  or  quinze  ?  "  and  he 
tapped  his  pouncet-box  nervously. 

"  We  have  always  been  good,  true  friends,  my 
lord.  Your  father  and  mine  have  shared  in 
many  and  continued  vicissitudes,  and  for  this 
cause  alone,  barring  our  friendships  of  more  re- 
cent years,  I  would  give  thee  a  secret  of  which  I 
am  only  half  owner." 

"  And  what  is  this  secret,  your  Grace  ?  I  am 
interested." 

"A  secret  cut  into  is  only  half  a  secret, 
and " 

"  Ah  !  ah !  how  stupid  I  have  grown  !  By  all 
means,  we  are  dealing  in  fractions,  and  to  get 
the  other  half  I  must  either  pay  or  go  a-hunting 
for  it." 

"  And  thou,  being  hot-foot  after  most  precious 
game,  methought  ^twould  best  serve  to  give  thee 
a  clue,  as  to  the  value  of  the  secret,  that  thou 
couldst  determine  whether  'twas  worth  the  find- 
ing ; — whether  'twas  worth  the  leaving  off  pur- 
suit of  that  thou  art  after," — and  the  Duke  threw 
open  his  waistcoat  and  revealed  its  lining  of  rare 
satin  and  a  pocket  that  contained  a  paper  written 
upon  in  a  writing  that  made  Lord  Cedric  start, 
for  he  recognized  it  as  Sir  John  Penwick's.  And 
there  recurred  to  him  the  conversation  he  over- 
heard at  the  monastery,  when  one  said, — "  and 
once  Sir  John  gets  to  this  country."  But  nay ; 


270  Mistress  Penwick 

he  did  not  believe  the  man  was  alive ;  had  he  not 
his  very  last  words  in  his  own  waistcoat  pocket  ? 
So  he  spoke  out  disdainfully,— 

"  And  thou  dost  embroider  thy  facings  with 
dead  men's  autographs  ?  " 

"They  are  the  better  preserved,  my  lord," 
said  the  Duke,  with  a  smile. 

"Then  I  am  to  understand  the  secret  doth 
nearly  concern  Mistress  Penwick,  and  if  I  should 
show  her  favour,  I  would  pay  well  for  a  sequel 
to  that  thou  art  about  to  unfold,  eh  !  Duke  ?  " 

"  Aye,  pay  well ;  for  the  demand  will  be  more 
than  thou  dost  imagine,"  and  he  took  the  paper 
and  gave  it  into  Cedric's  hands. 

At  a  glance  Cedric  saw  that  the  outside  paper 
only  was  written  on  by  Sir  John ;  the  inner 
document,  containing  the  whole  story,  being 
made  in  a  strange  hand.  And  Cedric  said  to 
himself, — "  Aye,  'tis  a  ruse.  Sir  John  is  dead 
and  I'll  wager  on  't." 

"  Thou  mayest  occupy  my  chamber,  which  for 
the  present  is  here."  The  Duke  left  the  anxious 
Cedric  to  read  at  leisure. 

Lord  Cedric  knew  'twas  not  his  Grace's  way  to 
waste  time  on  things  of  no  moment,  and  he  there- 
fore apprehended  evil  and  his  fingers  trembled  ; 
his  dark  eyes  grew  large  as  he  read  ;  his  face 
changing  from  red  to  white  as  the  different  emo- 
tions were  awakened ;  his  white  teeth  crushing  his 
lips.  Sir  John  Penwick  had  left  England,  tak- 


Tells  of  the  Doings  of  all  Concerned   271 

ing  all  his  worldly  goods — which  were  of  no 
mean  value — with  him.  He  settled  his  posses- 
sions in  the  New  World.  These  in  time  became 
very  great  and  he  was  known  as  one  of  the 
wealthiest  men  in  the  locality  in  wrhich  he  lived. 
After  six  years  of  married  life,  a  great  grief  came 
upon  him ;  his  wife  died,  leaving  him  a  baby  girl 
of  five.  This  so  unsettled  him — having  loved  his 
wife  beyond  measure — he  turned  again  to  war- 
fare, having  interest  and  inclination  for  naught 
else.  He  sent  his  baby  daughter  with  her  nurse, 
Janet  Wadham,  to  the  Ursuline  Convent  at 
Quebec,  where  they  remained  until  coming  to 
England.  Sir  John  travelled  about  from  one 
country  to  another,  engaging  in  all  kinds  of  in- 
trigue and  war.  One  Jean  La  Fosse — a  Jesuit 
priest — had  been  for  many  years  the  tried  and 
true  friend  of  Sir  John,  having  been  in  his  early 
years  a  suitor  to  Lady  Penwick.  This  friend- 
ship had  grown  so  stout  that  when  they  met 
again  in  the  New  World,  Sir  John  put  his  posses- 
sions, in  trust,  into  La  Fosse's  keeping.  When 
Sir  John  was  taken  prisoner,  a  sort  of  treaty  had 
been  entered  into  between  the  French  and 
English,  and  hostages  were  required  for  prisoners 
of  importance.  La  Fosse  was  now  holding  high 
office  in  the  ranks  of  his  adopted  country — Eng- 
land. Therefore,  when  hostage  was  asked  by  the 
English  for  Sir  John  Penwick,  La  Fosse  saw  the 
chance  he  had  waited  for  for  years,  and  his 


Mistress  Pen  wick 

craven  heart  rejoiced  at  the  opportunity.  Sir 
John  was  every  inch  an  Englishman,  and  since 
being  prisoner  of  the  French,  determined  as  far 
as  possible  to  place  his  belongings  with  his  own 
country.  He  had  thought  it  all  out  and  wrote 
his  desires  to  La  Fosse.  Of  course,  what  be- 
longed to  Sir  John  belonged  to  England,  but  his 
possessions  were  on  French  soil  and  his  daughter 
in  a  French  convent.  And  now  Sir  John  felt 
'twould  be  an  opportunity  to  place  his  child  for- 
ever in  the  hands  of  his  own  country.  La  Fosse 
had  so  shaped  affairs,  that  Sir  John  was  at  his 
mercy,  and  at  Sir  John's  proposal  that  his  child 
should  be  held  as  hostage  for  himself,  he  had  an- 
swered that  the  babe  was  of  too  tender  years  to 
be  accepted  unless  accompanied  by  lands,  tene- 
ments and  hereditaments.  This  was  a  happy 
thought  to  Sir  John,  and  his  old  trust  of  La 
Fosse  came  back.  "  After  all,"  he  thought,  "  the 
French  would  rather  give  up  my  child  than  a 
man,  but  my  possessions  they  would  never  give." 
So,  not  suspecting  La  Fosse's  duplicity,  he  gave 
him  legal  right  to  place  his  property  as  hostage 
also.  The  child  was  to  remain  at  the  convent, 
unless  England  preferred  to  have  her  under  their 
own  regime.  La  Fosse  was  sure  Sir  John  would 
never  again  be  free  and  could  never,  of  course, 
claim  his  lands.  He  went  so  far  as  to  make  sure 
— as  sure  as  was  in  his  power — that  Pen  wick 
should  not  be  released.  He,  being  a  man  of 


Tells  of  the  Doings  of  all  Concerned   273 

shrewdness,  at  once  manipulated  affairs  without 
the  knowledge  of  his  sovereign  or  the  higher 
powers  about  him.  In  a  very  short  time  these 
possessions  were  built  upon  by  the  Jesuits,  who, 
through  La  Fosse,  claimed  all  right  and  title. 
But  La  Fosse  was  forgetful.  He  never  gave  the 
babe  a  second  thought,  it  being  of  no  consequence 
whatever.  It  would,  no  doubt,  sicken  and  die 
without  a  mother's  care.  He  was  aware  of  its 
whereabouts,  but  even  that  in  time  was  forgotten, 
his  mind  being  occupied  by  more  pertinent 
thoughts.  This  was  a  great  victory  for  the 
Catholics,  whose  lands  had  been  confiscated  in 
England,  and  La  Fosse  felt  he  had  dealt  a  mas- 
ter stroke  for  his  religion.  But  no  mortal  man 
can  equal  Time  as  an  adept  in  chicanery.  He 
brings  forth  truths  unheard  of  or  dreamt  by  poor 
humanity. 

Years  went  by  and  La  Fosse  was  suspicioned. 
At  the  first  smell  of  smoke,  La  Fosse  fled.  No 
one  knew  whither.  He  escaped,  however,  to  the 
monastery  upon  Lord  Cedric's  estates.  The 
sudden  appearance  of  Mistress  Penwick  at  the 
monastery  was  believed  to  be  a  direct  answer  to 
their  prayers.  When,  too,  it  was  found  without 
a  doubt  she  was  Sir  John's  daughter,  they  felt 
she  belonged  to  them  to  do  with  as  they  pleased, 
so  all  things  were  accomplished  for  the  benefit  of 
the  only  divine  church.  Their  rights  in  the  New 
World  were  now  being  meddled  with  and  this 


274  Mistress  Penwick 

God-send  was  to  give  them,  with  her  own  hand, 
all  right  and  title  to  the  property  in  question. 

Sir  John  had  vaguely  heard  while  in  prison  of 
Jean  La  Fosse's  duplicity,  and  at  once  sought  to 
save  his  daughter  from  his  hands  by  sending  her 
to  his  old  friend,  Lord  Cedric  of  Crandlemar. 
He,  angry  at  himself  for  being  so  duped,  and 
heartbroken  at  his  loss  of  property,  knew  of 
nothing  else  to  do  but  call  upon  his  Lordship  for 
his  child's  protection ;  yet  he  was  too  proud  to 
tell  him  why  these  calamities  had  come  upon 
him.  Indeed,  any  man  would  take  him  for  a 
fool  for  so  trusting  another.  He  had  been  ill 
when  writing  those  letters.  He  never  expected 
to  arise  from  bed  again  and  thought  'twas  best 
to  say  he  was  dying ;  'twould  perhaps  touch  Ced- 
ric's  heart  as  nothing  else  would !  Thus  ended 
a  document  that  was  still  incomplete,  and  his 
Lordship  sat  wondering  and  thinking.  This 
meant  that  the  Catholics  were  exposing  Kather- 
ine  to  the  King's  pleasure.  She  was  being  sent 
to  him  for  a  title — a  title  that  was  to  give  them 
all  her  possessions.  And  Buckingham  held  the 
clue  that  would  save  those  lands  or — or  her 
father — if  he  were  alive.  Aye,  he  should  have 
all  the  money  he  asked  ;  for  the  Catholics  should 
not  have  their  way.  "They  shall  not,  by  God, 
they  shall  not !  " 

"  They  shall  not ! "  quoted  Buckingham  behind 
him. 


CHAPTER  XVIII 
AT  MONMOUTH'S  VILLA 

LORD  CEDRIC  looked  about  him.  He  had 
heard  no  sound  and  was  surprised  and  not  well 
pleased  that  Buckingham  had  so  caught  him  off 
his  guard ;  for  he  now  understood  that  the  Duke 
was  undoubtedly  deriving  some  benefits  from 
this  fiendish  plot,  and  the  greater  his  perturba- 
tion the  easier  mark  for  his  Grace. 

"  The  maid  proposes  at  all  hazards  to  see  the 
King.  Monmouth  is  as  determined  she  shall  not. 
However,  if  she  escapes  the  Duke,  she  will  visit 
Whitehall  and  present  her  plea  to  his  Majesty 
for  his  signature.  He  is — after  seeing  her — not 
supposed  to  refuse  her  anything.  And  not 
knowing  the  value  of  these  lands  will  sign  the 
paper,  thereby  giving  the  Catholics  the  property. 
Then  if  he  sees  fit — which  of  course  he  will — will 
retain  the  beauty  as  a  Maid  of  Honour.  If  he 
should  refuse  the  plea,  she  is  to  hand  him  a  sealed 
paper,  which  will  give  him  the  knowledge  that 
he  has  before  him  a  hostage  who  wishes  his 
signature  to  the  willing  of  her  property  to  her 
beloved  Church.  They  do  not  count  on  his  put- 
ting two  and  two  together  and  seeing  their 
scheme.  They  think  he  will  be  so  infatuated, 

275 


276  Mistress  Penwick 

that  'twill  be  '  aye,  aye,  aye,'  to  her  every  look. 
She  only  knows  half  the  contents  of  the  thing 
she  presses  'neath  the  folds  of  her  dress." 

"  By  God,  Buckingham,  this  is  despicable ! 
She  to  be  made  the  tool  of  her  religion  ! " 

"  There  are  other  complications,  my  lord. 
Providing  thou  art  successful  in  running  the 
gauntlet  with  Monmouth  first,  then  the  King, 
thou,  thyself,  art  in  danger  of  the  Tower  or 
Tyburn-tree."  With  a  bound  Cedric  was  upon 
his  feet  and  sprang  toward  the  Duke,— 

"A  thousand  devils,  man,  I  care  not  for  my- 
self,— 'tis  the  maid  ;  beside — what  have  I  done, 
why  am  I  so  threatened  ?  " 

"  The  scheme  for  thy  destruction  is  already  set 
a-foot.  If  thou  shouldst  get  the  maid  in  any 
wise,  it  appears  thou  art  doomed.  Take  my  ad- 
vice, look  to  thyself  and  let  the  — 

"  'Sdeath  !  finish  it  not !  "  and  there  was  that 
in  the  young  lord's  eyes  that  curtailed  the 
Duke's  words,  and  he  stood  frowning  at  Cedric 
and  thinking  what  next  to  say. 

"  When  thou  art  acquainted  with  the  circum- 
stances, my  lord,  thou  wilt  see  thy  peril.  One 
Christopher,  whom  I  once  befriended  with  a 
bottle  of  wine  in  a  certain  close  passage,  came 
tottering  to  me,  asking  for  my  patronage,  which 
I  accorded  him,  as  he  was  a  sorry  spectacle.  As 
a  reward  for  my  seeming  kindness,  he  told  me 
that  the  knave  Cantemir  was  arousing  the  Prot- 


At  Monmouth's  Villa  277 

estants  by  speaking  of  the  monastery  being  a 
rendezvous  for  all  good  Catholics,  naming  the 
lord  of  Crandlemar  as  one  of  them.  The  knave 
is  working  with  both  factions.  He  has  gained 
some  powerful  help.  These  are  to  come  upon 
the  King  and  demand  a  confiscation  of  thy  lands, 
thou  art  also  to  be  sent  to  Tower  or  Tyburn-tree 
for  the  murder  of  thy  servant " 

"  Enough,  enough,  my  heaven  !  I  did  kill  the 
bastard  Christopher." 

"  Ah !  not  so.  '  The  bastard  Christopher '  is 
still  on  his  legs  and  gives  Cantemir's  plans  away ; 
for  the  knave  kicked  him  when  he  was  down. 
Thou  art  to  have  thy  head,  but " 

"  Nay,  my  friend,  tell  me  no  more.  Ah  ! — is 
there  any  limit  to  this  devil's  industry  !  I  have 
to  thank  thee  to-night,  on  the  morrow " 

"  I'm  expecting  to  leave  Whitehall  early  — " 
Cedric  started. 

"  Will  Monmouth  bear  thee  company  ?  " 

"  Nay,  his  Majesty  seems  on  a  sudden  to  have 
an  undue  fondness  for  him." 

"  God  strengthen  it." 

"  'Tis  a  pity  there  is  such  thing,  else  his  Grace 
would  not  care  to  go." 

"  And  thou  and  I  might  not  have  been  brought 
into  this  world." 

"  And  Adam  have  had  eyes  only  for  the  ser 
pent,  not  even  coveting  the  apple." 

"  Adieu,  my  lord  !  " 


278  Mistress  Penwick 

"  Adieu,  your  Grace  !  " 

The  candles  were  just  a-light  within  the  villa, 
where  the  thick  foliage  of  tree  and  vine  brought 
a  premature  gloaming.  Outside  fell  upon  the 
sward  the  last  rays  of  the  setting  sun.  In  the 
depths  of  the  shadowy  leaves  the  glow-worms 
displayed  their  phosphorescent  beauty ;  the 
lampyrid  beetles  plied  between  gloom  and 
obscurity,  impatient  for  the  mirror  of  night  to 
flaunt  therein  their  illumined  finery.  In  the  dis- 
tance was  heard  the  lusty  song  of  the  blowsy 
yokels,  as  they  clumsily  carted  homeward  the  day's 
gathering.  The  erudite  nightingale  threw  wide 
the  throttle  of  his  throat  and  taught  some  nes- 
tling kin  the  sweetness  of  his  lore. 

From  the  villa  doorway  passed  out  Mistress 
Penwick  in  fluttering  white,  with  the  waxy  jas- 
mine upon  breast  and  hair.  Down  she  came,  un- 
attended, through  aisles  bordered  by  fragrant 
blossoms,  traversing  the  way  from  door  to  pos- 
tern-gate with  quick,  light  steps. 

She  was  not  aware  Monmouth  had  left  a  strong 
guard  and  orders  to  allow  no  one  to  enter  save 
those  he  made  provision  for. 

As  her  hand  rested  upon  the  gate,  a  guard 
stepped  from  behind  a  bower  of  iris  and  gently 
opened  it  for  her.  She  was  somewhat  taken 
aback  by  his  presence.  The  stalwart  guard  strode 
after  her ;  she,  noticing  it,  turned  about  and  said 
sweetly  for  him  to  hold  the  gate  open  'til  she  re- 


At  Monmouth's  Villa  279 

turned,  that  she  would  only  be  gone  a  very  few 
minutes. 

"  My  lady  is  alone  upon  the  highway,  and  I 
could  not  suffer  her  to  be  so,  begging  permission." 

"Nay,  I  wish  to  be  alone.  Kemain  at  the 
gate." 

"  It  may  not  be,  my  lady ;  'tis  his  Grace's  order 
to  give  thee  proper  escort  outside  the  gate." 

"Ah,  then —  she  turned  from  him  and 
beckoned  to  a  monk  who  appeared  to  be  walking 
aimlessly  upon  the  opposite  side  of  the  way,  but 
at  her  bidding  moved  with  alacrity.  When  the 
guard  saw  her  intention,  he  begged  her  to  con- 
sider the  Duke's  wish  that  she  should  communi- 
cate with  no  one. 

"  I  was  not  aware,  sir,  that  I  am  held  as 
prisoner.  I'm  quite  sure  his  Grace  was  only 
kindly  intentioned  for  my  safety; — and  as  for 
further  vigilance,  'tis  beyond  his  power  to  use 
it."  The  three  now  stood  at  the  gate.  The 
monk  looking  intently  at  the  guard,  said,  — 

"  Where  hath  flown  thy  religion,  Eustis  ?  " 

"  'Tis  a  poor  religion  that  hath  not  the  grace  to 
offer  its  adherents  an  honest  living." 

"  Ah  !  then  thy  faith  is  hinged  upon  the  lar- 
gesse of  the  damned.  There  ! — take  for  the  nonce 
thy  meed  in  honest  coin."  The  Abbe  gave  him 
a  piece  of  gold  and  passed  within  the  gate.  The 
sun  now  dropped  from  sight,  leaving  the  villa 
terraces  in  sombreness,  and  brought  into  promi- 


280  Mistress  Penwick 

nence  glow  worm  and  firefly  and  the  sheen  of 
Mistress  Pen  wick's  frock. 

"  I  have  watched  for  thee  ever  since  thou  ar- 
rived, hoping  to  catch  thine  eye. — Hast  guarded 
the  billet  to  the  King,  my  child  ?  " 

"  Here  it  is."  She  took  from  her  bosom  the 
letter.  The  keen  eyes  of  the  Abbe  saw  the  seal 
was  intact  and  quickly  put  out  his  hand  depre- 
cating what  her  act  implied. 

"  'Twas  not  that,  my  child ;  'twas  the  fear  that 
thou  hadst  been  robbed,  as  we  have.  We  trust 
thee  with  all  our  hearts,"  and  she  read  not  hypoc- 
risy in  the  feint  of  benignancy. 

"  Thou  hast  been  deceived  into  thinking  that 
the  Duke  of  Monmouth  or  Buckingham  will  ar- 
range a  meeting  between  thee  and  the  King. 
The  former  Duke  is  evil-intentioned  toward  thee." 

"  Ah,  my  Father ;  thou  dost  sorely  grieve  me  ! 
If  thou  didst  not  say  it,  'twould  be  hard  to  be- 
lieve ;  for  surely  he  has  been  most  kind  to  me." 

"  But  'tis  true,  nevertheless.  He  is  now  with 
the  King  and  fretting  for  being  so  detained  from 
thee.  He  means  to  offer  thee  the  protection  of 
his  favour ;  which  means  thou  art  to  become  an 
inmate  of  his  seraglio.  Dost  understand  me,  my 
child?" 

"  Ah  !  —  I  understand,"  and  Mistress  Penwick 
looked  up  into  the  face  that  the  darkness  veiled. 

"  And  I  have  heard  that  the  King  is  sometimes 
poorly  intentioned."  The  monk  coughed  behind 


At  Monmouth's  Villa  281 

his  hand  and  moved  uneasily, — "  'Tis  said  of 
him,  as  other  like  things  are  reported ;  but  'tis 
false.  He  is  a  good  Catholic  at  heart,  and  he 
will  offer  thee  no  insult,  else  we  would  not  allow 
thee  to  approach  him.  Our  first  thought  is  to 
get  thee  from  Monmouth's  hold  and  place  thee  in 
safety  elsewhere.  The  noble  Lady  Constance  is 
helping  us  and  hopes  that  by  to-night  to  have 
arranged  certain  matters,  so  with  our  aid  thou 
mayest  be  able  to  see  his  Majesty  very  soon. 
One  of  the  Brotherhood  will  accompany  thee  to 
his  presence  or  meet  thee  there ;  for  we  are 
anxious  of  the  issue.  Thou  wilt  —  "  The  con- 
versation was  interrupted  by  the  sound  of 
wheels.  The  guard  came  running  to  them,  cry- 
ing half  aloud,  — 

"  Methinks  some  one  of  importance  is  about  to 
arrive,  as  there  is  a  coach  and  outriders  and  a 
score  of  mounted  escort.  If  thou,  Father,  art 
found  here,  I'm  doomed.  I  prithee  hide  thyself ; 
— and  my  lady's  gown  can  be  seen  for  a  league. 
Hide  here,  behind  this  bunch  of  iris,  'til  the  cav- 
alcade hath  passed." 

It  was  in  truth  the  young  Duke  of  Monmouth, 
who  was  hurrying  with  the  impatience  of  young, 
warm  blood  to  his  mistress.  For  all  Katherine 
was  indignant  with  him  for  having  such  wicked 
intentions  toward  her,  yet  she  was  moved  by  the 
fact  that  he  was  a  Prince,  the  son  of  the  King ; 
and  susceptible  as  are  all  womankind  to  mascu- 


282  Mistress  Pen  wick 

line  beauty,  she  hardly  could  withhold  her  ad- 
miration. She  did  not  fear  him,  on  the  contrary 
she  wished  to  play  with  firebrands  and  see  how 
he  would  appear  in  her  eyes,  now  that  she  un- 
derstood him.  On  a  sudden  she  wished  to  see 
him  more  than  any  one  else  in  the  world,  Lord 
Cedric  excepted ;  and  in  her  adventurous  heart 
vowed  to  torment  and  give  him  pangs  to  remem- 
ber her  by.  Her  pride  was  wrought  upon.  That 
any  one  should  presume  to  love  her  without 
thought  of  espousal !  and  Janet's  words  came 
back  to  her  with  great  force,  making  her  see  her 
error  in  accompanying  the  Duke. 

There  were  a  few  hasty  words  spoken  by  the 
monk  as  he  left  her,  and  passed  through  the 
postern-gate,  where  none  save  Eustis  saw  his  tall 
form.  Katherine  took  her  time,  as  she  crossed 
the  lawn  to  her  former  seat,  stopping  here  and 
there  to  gather  a  nosegay  ;  exulting  all  the  time 
at  his  Grace's  discomfort  when  he  found  her  not 
within  doors.  Suddenly  she  thought  of  Chris- 
topher and  of  what  might  happen  to  the  servants 
if  the  Duke  undertook  to  vent  his  displeasure 
upon  them.  At  the  thought,  she  leant  forward, 
straining  her  ear  for  any  signs  of  violence ;  but 
she  only  heard  Janet  say, — 

"  My  eyes  have  not  been  off  her,  your  Grace. 
I'm  just  taking  her  a  wrap." 

"  Give  it  to  me,"  the  Duke  said  in  a  voice  sur- 
prisingly calm  and  gentle.  It  piqued  Katherine. 


At  Monmouth's  Villa  283 

It  was  disappointing  not  to  hear  a  fierce  voice 
like  Cedric's  was  wont  to  be.  She  saw  the  Duke's 
form  silhouetted  by  a  bush  of  white  blossom  and 
heard  from  his  lips  a  quaint  love  ditty.  It  so  set 
her  very  susceptible  heart  to  fluttering  she  knew 
not  whether  to  be  glad  or  sorry  that  he  was 
there.  She  was  weaving  a  garland  in  a  peculiar 
manner  learned  at  the  convent.  The  finished 
strands  she  placed  under  the  bench  upon  which 
she  sat,  pretending  the  while  neither  to  see  nor 
hear  his  Grace  as  he  walked  about  from  bush  to 
bush,  singing  softly.  But  he  soon  caught  the 
glimmer  of  her  dress,  and  he  came  bounding 
toward  her. 

"  Pray  what  does  Mistress  Pen  wick  out  alone 
on  so  dark  a  night  ?  " 

"  Ah  ! " — she  started  in  feigned  alarm,  drop- 
ping her  flowers  and  rising  hurriedly — "  'tis  your 
Grace  of  Buckingham.  I  admit  I  was  startled." 
She  made  a  sweeping  courtesy. 

"  We  who  love  never  forget  its  voice,  Mistress. 
I  believed  that  thou  wouldst  never  be  able  to  find 
it  in  Buckingham's  tones ;  for  if  'twas  there,  thou 
only  could  note  its  tenderness."  He  so  ignored 
her  feint — and  she  knew  he  understood  that  she 
knew  not  whether  to  keep  up  her  hypocrisy  or 
recant. 

"  Didst  see  the  King,  your  Grace,  upon  my  af- 
fair?" He  stooped  to  recover  the  flowers  she 
had  dropped.  She  hindered  him,  fearing  lest 


284  Mistress  Penwick 

he  should  see  her  schoolgirl  play  beneath  the 
bench. 

"Ah!  ah!  what  hast  thou  hid  there?"  She 
exulted. 

"  Nothing,  your  Grace,  only  —  the  flowers  are 
not  worth  the  exertion." 

"  Aye,  they  are  worth  the  bended  knee  of  a 
thousand,  when  dropped  from  such  fair  hands," 
and  he  again  essayed  to  reach  them  ;  but  she 
stood  between,  and  holding  her  hand  out  to  him, 


"  Nay.  I  pray  thee  come.  I  am  going  to  the 
villa.  'Tis  growing  damp."  She  timidly  made 
as  if  to  go.  He  on  the  instant  drew  his  sword 
and  lunged  beneath  the  bench  and  drew  out  upon 
its  point  the  maid's  flowers.  He  laughed  at  his 
disappointment,  for  he  was  certain  some  one  was 
beneath.  She  felt  ashamed  of  her  childish  pas- 
time and  hastened  within  doors.  He  followed, 
carrying  the  interwoven  hearts  upon  the  point  of 
his  sword.  He  held  them  high  for  inspection  as 
he  entered  the  lighted  room,  and  was  transported 
with  delight  when  he  saw  the  design,  and  com- 
plimented her  upon  its  significance. 

"  Thou  dost  seem  to  know  that  two  hearts  are 
to  be  entwined,  at  any  rate  !  Even  if  a  voice 
full  of  passion  doth  corrupt  thine  ears  to  hearing 
tones  that  are  vibrantless  of  love."  He  broke 
into  a  great  laugh  and  looked  upon  Katherine's 
blushing  face  with  tender  admiration.  "  Come, 


At  Monmouth's  Villa 

Mistress,  I  have  played  thee  very  uncavalierly, 
inasmuch  as  I  have  not  answered  thy  question. 
Sit  with  me  and  sup.  There — his  Majesty  is  in- 
disposed. He  will  not  be  able  to  see  thee  for  at 
least  a  week.  Then  I  am  to  bring  the  most  beauti- 
ful woman  in  the  world  to  Court." 

"I  am  very  sorry;  my  business  is  impera- 
tive  " 

"  Imperative  ! — imperative  !  that  such  words 
should  fall  from  cherry  lips  that  will  become  ir- 
resistible should  they  turn  to  pouting ; — so  take 
heed  and  tempt  me  not."  He  had  already  swal- 
lowed several  glasses  of  wine  and  was  fast  be- 
coming audacious. 

Janet  stood  behind  Mistress  Penwick's  chair ; 
her  face  appearing  immutable.  The  Duke  bade 
the  maid  drink  her  wine.  She  touched  her  lips 
to  the  glass  and  set  down  the  cup.  He  swept  it 
passionately  to  his  own.  Katherine's  boldness 
was  fast  declining.  She  began  to  wish  that 
something  would  happen  to  take  the  Duke's  at- 
tention from  her.  Even  Constance'  presence 
would  be  a  relief.  If  she  were  only  in  the  gar- 
den again — free — she  would  fly  to  some  place  of 
safety. 

He  lowered  his  voice  into  a  passionate  whisper 
and  leant  over,  catching  her  hand  as  she  would 
withdraw  it.  He  began  to  draw  her  toward 
him.  Her  fear  was  evident,  for  Monmouth, 
drunk  as  he  was,  saw  it,  and  fell  to  coaxing. 


286  Mistress  Pen  wick 

His  voice,  not  yet  maudlin,  was  sweet  and  im- 
passioned. 

"  Thou  were  not  afraid  when  that  Russian 
knave  claimed  thee  and  was  about  to  carry  thee 
off,  and  now  thou  hast  the  King's  son  to  guard 
and  love  thee — love — dost  hear  it,  my  Precious  ? 
And  I  came  to  claim  thee  this  night,  to  tell  thee 
all  I  know,  to  make  the  little  Convent  Maid 
wise."  He  threw  his  arm  about  her,  almost 
drawing  her  from  the  chair.  Katherine  was 
white  and  trembling,  knowing  not  which  way  to 
turn. 

"  Indeed,  sir,  I  know  not  thy  meaning." 
"My  meaning?  Dost  not  thou  know  what 
love  is  ?  Of  course  thou  dost  not — if  thou  didst, 
it  might  be  I  should  not  care  to  be  thy  tutor. 
Come,  I  will  teach  thee  this  night — now,  my 
Pretty, — now.  Come,  come  with  me."  He  arose 
and  essayed  to  draw  her  toward  the  door  that 
led  to  an  inner  chamber.  Katherine  was  well 
nigh  to  swooning,  and  perhaps  would  have,  had 
not  there  fell  upon  her  ear  the  sound  of  some 
one  entering  the  house.  "  Ah,  heaven ! "  she 
thought,  "  if  it  were  only  Father  La  Fosse  or  Sir 
Julian  or  even — ah !  "  She  did  hear  Constance' 
voice.  "Aye,  even  Constance  could  think  of 
some  way  for  her  to  escape."  She  knew  Janet 
was  behind  her  chair,  but  she  might  have  lost 
her  usual  wit  and  have  become  incapable  of  help- 
ing at  the  very  moment  she  was  most  needed. 


At  Monmouth's  Villa  287 

Monmouth  drank  another  glass  of  wine,  then 
withdrew  from  his  chair  and  leant  over  that  of 
the  maid,  drawing  her  close  in  his  embrace.  He 
was  now  so  drunk  he  did  not  hear  the  door  creak 
as  Janet  and  Katherine  did ;  the  former,  seeing 
the  pale,  triumphant  face  of  Constance  reflected 
in  a  mirror,  as  she  stood  half-way  inside  the 
door.  Katherine  tried  to  disengage  herself  by 
reaching  for  another  glass  of  wine.  The  Duke 
reached  it  for  her  and  would  hold  it  to  her  lips ; 
but  she,  looking  up  at  him  with  a  feint  of  a 
smile,  said  in  coaxing  tones, — 

"  I  was  getting  it  for  thee ;  your  Highness  will 
drink  it?" 

"  Could  I  refuse — there  ! — there !  Come  !  — " 
He  put  his  arms  about  her  and  was  carrying  her 
forth,  when  Janet  plucked  him  by  the  sleeve  and 
whispered  something  in  his  ear.  He  loosed  for  a 
moment  her  trembling  form  and  she  began  to 
weep.  These  tears  made  him  forget  Janet's 
words,  and  he  turned  again  to  Katherine. 

"  There,  there,  my  wife ;  thou  dost  break  my 
heart  at  each  sob.  Here,  see  here  what  I  brought 
thee,"  and  he  placed  on  her  arm  a  circlet  of  ru- 
bies. "  There,  hush  thy  tears.  I  will  not  teach 
thee  anything  but  how  kind  I  may  be — there,  sit 
thee  down.  I  will  let  thee  wait  until  thou  art 
accustomed  to  man's  caresses."  Monmouth's 
heavy  drinking  trended  to  strengthen  his  good 
humour,  else  he  might  have  resented  roundly  the 


288  Mistress  Penwick 

interruption  of  his  love-making  by  the  entrance 
of  Lady  Constance.  He  held  out  his  hand  to 
her,  saying,— 

"  Come,  my  lady ;  see  my  poor  dear.  The  poor 
child  is  affrighted  at  my  love-making.  Thou 
vvouldst  not  be  so  frightened,  Constance, — eh  ?  " 

"  I  am  not  a  child,  your  Highness,  to  fall  to 
weeping  if  so  honourable  a  gentleman  as  some 
should  choose  to  kiss  my  hand."  The  Duko 
reached  to  the  table  and  pressed  another  cup  of 
wine  to  his  lips,  that  were  already  stiffened  by 
excess. 

"Come,  Sweet;  give  me  one  kiss — "  and  he 
bent  over  her  close. 

"  Nay,  nay,  I'll  not  suffer  thee."  And  Kath- 
erine  drew  from  him  with  flashing  eyes. 

"Come,  silly  child;  one,  just  one."  She  fled 
from  his  reach.  He  sought  to  catch  her  but  was 
stopped  by  Constance  who  whispered  something 
hurriedly.  The  Duke  turned  upon  Janet  and 
frowned,  then  broke  into  a  mocking  laugh,  and 
with  a  sly  wink  at  Constance,  said, — 

"  Thou  art  a  trickster,  good  nurse  ;  thou  didst 
play  upon  me  foully.  Good,  good  nurse !  Come, 
go  quickly.  Thou  shalt  see  no  more  love-mak- 
ing ;  I  forbid  thee ;  kiss  thy  nestling  and  go.  I 
will  watch  over  her.  Come,  my  sweet,  come  !  " 
His  Grace  took  the  maid  in  his  strong  arms,  and 
though  his  legs  threatened  collapse,  bore  her 
toward  the  door. 


At  Monmouth's  Villa  289 

Janet  saw  the  look  of  devilish  menace  and 
triumph  upon  Lady  Constance'  face  and — beyond 
— what  did  she  see  behind  the  curtain  of  the 
window  that  looked  upon  the  garden?  Surely 
'twas  something  more  than  the  evening  breeze 
that  stirred  those  hangings.  'Twas  a  familiar 
face  that  looked  from  behind  the  folds ;  aye,  of  a 
truth,  'twas  Sir  Julian  Pomphrey's.  When  Mon- 
mouth,  half  carrying  Katherine,  reached  the  door 
and  stood  some  little  way  beyond  its  deep  em- 
brazure,  he  turned  to  Janet  again,  saying, — 

"  Go,  good  nurse.  I  wait  for  thine  exit. 
Come,  begone ! " 

"  I  beg  your  Grace  to  forgive  the  lie  I  told  and 
give  pledge  of  thy  forgiveness  by  taking  this." 
She  handed  him  a  brimming  cup. 

"  Then,  good  nurse,  I  forgive  thee.  Here  is  to 
the  maid  thou  dost  let  go  and  to  the  woman  I  shall 
bring  back."  He  threw  back  his  head  and  lifted 
the  cup.  As  it  touched  his  lips  a  handkerchief 
fell  about  his  eyes  and  a  strong  hand  covered  his 
mouth  and  the  Duke  lay  helpless  upon  the  floor. 

Janet  carried  the  half-fainting  maid  from  the 
room.  As  she  did  so,  Sir  Julian  and  Lord 
Cedric,  who  had  also  come  through  the  window, 
carried  the  young  Duke  to  another  chamber; 
binding  him  fast ;  keeping  his  eyes  well  blind- 
folded and  their  own  tongues  still.  Constance 
was  left  standing  in  the  middle  of  the  floor  in 
dumb  surprise  and  chagrin.  In  a  moment  Lord 


290  Mistress  Penwick 

Cedric  returned,  and  his  voice  rang  steel  as  he 
faced  her,  nor  was  there  shadow  of  pity  as  he  saw 
her  white  face  grow  ghastly  in  fear. 

"  Thou,  Constance,  art  the  receptacle  of  all  the 
damned  ills  flung  from  mortals,  whether  of  the 
mind  or  body.  As  for  soul,  that  unknown  thing 
to  thee — thou  canst  not  recognize  in  another  and 
therefore  canst  take  on  nothing  of  it  save  its 
punishment  hereafter,  when  thou  shalt  have  no 
choice  of  condiment.  Thy  heart  lies  festering  in 
the  rheum  that  exuviates  from  its  foul  surround- 
ings. Conscience  thou  art  bankrupt  of,  and  in 
its  place  doth  lurk  the  bawd  that  envenoms  thy 
senses  and  turns  thy  narrow  body  into  prodigious 
corruption " 

"  Cedric, — my  God.;  stay  thy  tongue ! " 

"  Nay,  nay ;  my  tongue  is  a  well-matched  Jehu 
for  thy  devil's  race.  I  would  I  might  scorch 
thee  with  it,  to  give  thee  foretaste  of  that  to 
come ;  perchance  'twould  seethe  thy  rottenness  to 
the  quick — if  thou  of  that  art  not  also  bereft — 
and  turn  thee  from  thy  course.  Thou  dost  pander 
for  the  King's  son  and  steal  an  innocent  maid  of 
unripe  years  to  gratify  his  lust — ah,  'sdeath  !  thou 
art  but  a  pernicious  wench,  as  false  as  hell.  And 
when  the  nurse  whispered  that  'twould  save  the 
child  from  shame,  thy  protrusile  tang-of-a-ser- 
pent  didst  sibilate  in  his  ready  ear  a  denial " 

"  Cedric,  Cedric ;  cease,  I  pray  ! "  And  Con- 
stance fell  upon  her  knees  sobbing.  But  the 


At  Monmouth's  Villa  291 

young  lord's  storm  had  not  yet  spent  itself,  and 
he  sped  on  in  fury  : 

"  I  would  thy  noxious  blood  had  all  run  out  ere 
mingling  with  its  better,  and  I  had  naught  of  so 
foul  a  taint  within.  If  I  held  the  apothecary's 
skill,  I  would  open  my  veins  and  purge  from 
them  thy  jaundiced  blood  and  let  in  slime  of 
snakes  and  putrid  matter  to  sweeten  the  vessel 
thus  set  free " 

"My  lord,  we  must  hasten.  The  maid  is 
ready  to  depart  with  her  nurse,"  said  Sir  Julian. 
As  the  young  lord  turned  to  him,  Lady  Constance 
— crushed  and  broken — said, — 

"  Could  st  thou  not  see  why  I  have  so  misused 
my  better  self ;  have  thine  eyes  been  blind  all 
these  years  not  to  see  how  I  have  loved  thee, 
Cedric — thee — thee — with  all  my  heart  and 
soul  ?  " 

"  I  would  not  hear  thee  prate  of  anything  so 
sacred  as  love, — 'tis  sacrilege." 

"  Nay,  not  so,  Cedric !  I  love  thee  more  than 
heaven.  I  love  thy  scorn,  if  to  be  free  from  it 
were  to  deprive  me  of  thy  presence.  I  would 
follow  thee  to  the  end  of  time,  even  though  thy 
brow  lowered  in  ever  threatening  storm 

"  Nay !  thou  shalt  not  follow  me.  Would  I 
draw  such  as  thou  to  yonder  maid  ?  From  this 
moment  thou  art  none  of  mine,  and  I  fling  thee 
from  me  as  I  would  a  snake. — Thou  didst  think 
to  take  Mistress  Katherine  from  me;  put  her 


292  Mistress  Penwick 

beyond  my  reach,  first,  by  marriage,  then  by 
ruin.  Thanks  to  heaven,  both  of  thy  infernal 
schemes  miscarried  and  she  is  again  in  my  keep- 
ing. And  soon  I  shall  fold  her  to  me  as  my  own ; 
pillow  her  head  here,  Constance,  here,  where  thou 
sayest  thou  shouldst  love  to  lie.  I  shall  press  her 
to  my  heart  as  wife,  wife — ah !  I  have  at  last 
touched  the  quick  within  thee.  "We  may  hope 
there  is  some  redemption — some  possibility  of 
bringing  thee  back  from  thy  foulness ' 

"  Come,  Cedric,  come ;  we  are  late !  "  cried  Sir 
Julian  at  the  door.  Lord  Cedric  turned  to  go, 
but  Constance  flew  to  his  side  and  grasped  his 
hand, — 

"Nay,  nay;  thou  shalt  not  leave  me  thus. 
Thou  shalt  not  leave  me  to  go  to  one  who  cares 
not  one  jot  for  thee !  Cedric,  turn  not  away. 
Do  not  leave  me  here.  Cedric,  hear  me,  take  me, 
take  me  with  thee  !  I  will  be  so  good 

Again  Sir  Julian  came  and  called  hastily,— 
"  Indeed,  my  lord,  there  is  a  chaise  upon  the 
highway,  and  if  we  mistake  not  'tis  the  King's." 
Cedric  loosed  himself  from  Constance  and  hurried 
from  the  room.  She  flew  after  him  ;  but  he  had 
passed  Sir  Julian  and  flung  himself  upon  a  horse. 
Pomphrey  saw  her  plight,  and,  whether  from 
pity,  gallantry,  or  intrigue,  lifted  her  quickly— 
before  she  had  time  to  withdraw  from  him—  into 
a  coach.  Cedric  remonstrated  with  him  ;  but 
Julian  was  confident  of  his  motive  and  started 


At  Monmouth's  Villa  293 

the  coach  at  full  speed.  They  flew  along  in  the 
opposite  direction  from  whence  came  the  King. 

It  was  his  Majesty,  who  had  heard  of  his  son's 
hiding  with  some  beauteous  maid  and  was 
resolved  to  play  a  trick  and  come  upon  him 
unawares. 

It  was  feared,  when  he  should  find  Monmouth 
in  such  a  plight,  he  would  pursue  the  offenders, 
if  for  nothing  but  to  see  with  his  own  eyes  the 
maid  who  had  so  wrought  upon  his  son's  af- 
fections. 

The  coaches  bearing  Katherine  and  Constance 
sped  along  at  a  rapid  swing.  The  one  bearing 
Katherine,  with  Janet  by  her  side,  was  some 
distance  ahead ;  Constance  alone  in  the  rear. 
Cedric  and  Julian  rode  at  either  side  of  the  first 
coach,  their  horses  in  full  gallop. 

They  reached  South wark  after  two  hours'  hard 
riding.  Katherine  was  not  aware  of  Lord  Ced- 
ric's  presence,  and  he  avoided  meeting  her  or 
attracting  her  attention  in  any  way.  He  was 
content  with  the  thought  that  she  was  near  him. 

They  proposed  to  remain  at  Tabard  Inn  at 
least  until  the  next  night,  when  they  would  set 
out  under  cover  of  the  darkness  for  Crandlemar, 
where  Lord  Cedric  had  given  orders  to  have  all 
things  ready  for  his  immediate  espousal.  He 
knew  that  Katherine  loved  him,  and  felt  san- 
guine that  after  passing  through  so  many  vicis- 
situdes she  would  come  to  her  senses  and  give 


294:  Mistress  Penwick 

up  the  ideas   of  churchly  duties   and  religious 
requirements. 

Lady  Constance  feared  the  worst,  now  that 
Cedric  was  once  more  with  Katherine.  What 
could  she  do  to  stave  the  matter  off  ?  She  knew 
Cantemir  would  hardly  be  able  to  place  Cedric 
in  the  Tower  before  another  week.  She  was 
tempted  to  poison  or  kill  in  some  way  the  maid. 
Aye,  she  would  kill  her — that  would  be  safest. 
Then  Cedric  could  not  have  her.  They  would 
be  parted  forever. 


CHAPTER  XIX 

WHAT   HAPPENED   IN  THE   COACH 

IN  the  meantime  his  Majesty  had  entered  the 
villa  and  found  his  son  bound  and  in  drunken 
sleep.  Seeing  he  was  uninjured,  the  King  fell 
to  laughing  at  his  plight,  his  ringing  tones 
awakening  Monmouth.  The  King's  gentlemen 
unbound  him  and  brought  him  to  a  chair.  The 
youth  was  not  long  in  collecting  himself,  quickly 
making  a  tale  for  his  father's  ears. 

"  I  have  caught  thee,  James," — said  the  King, 
— "  but  where,  oh  !  where  is  the  maid  ?  Has 
she  flung  thee  off  and  escaped  with  thy  guard, 
who  left  the  gates  wide,  or  didst  thou  expect  us 
and  had  them  placed  so  for  our  convenience  ?  " 

"  'Tis  certain,  Sire,  I  have  been  foully  treated. 
I  have  been  drugged  and  some  valuable  papers 
taken  I  had  got  hold  on." 

"And  who  held  the  papers  before  thee,  a 
pretty  wench,  eh  ?  "  Monmouth  glanced  suspi- 
ciously at  Buckinghamj  who  stood  behind  the 
King. 

"  Now  indeed,  Sire,  I  should  like  thy  opinion 
upon  her,  and — she  hath  a  secret,  as  the  Duke 
there  can  testify."  Buckingham  started,  but 
met  the  King's  glance  with  a  stolid  countenance. 

295 


296  Mistress  Penwick 

"  And  what  is  this  secret,  George  ?  " 

"  'Tis  something  the  Papists  have  enveigled 
the  maid  into  bringing  to  thy  notice,  your  Maj- 
esty," and  the  Duke  cast  a  contemptuous  glance 
at  Monmouth,  who  had  made  a  wrong  move. 

"  Then,  by  God  !  why  was  she  detained  ?  Why 
did  any  one  take  the  papers  from  her  ? "  His 
Majesty  looked  not  too  kind  at  his  son,  who  was 
now  fair  caught.  "  We  will  send  for  her  post- 
haste." The  lackeys  were  questioned  of  the  di- 
rection taken  by  the  coaches  that  had  just  left 
the  grounds,  and  a  courier  was  sent  after  them, 
bearing  the  Royal  command  to  Mistress  Penwick 
to  appear  before  his  presence  within  three  days. 

The  courier  did  not  reach  the  inn  until  the 
party  were  about  to  set  forth,  on  account  of  be- 
ing turned  repeatedly  from  his  course  by  design- 
ing lackeys  left  along  the  way  for  the  purpose. 

Sir  Julian.  Katherine  and  Janet  were  standing 
at  the  coach  door  when  Lady  Constance  came 
hurrying  down  the  stairs  to  join  them,  unasked ; 
for  she  was  of  no  mind  to  let  Cedric  carry  off 
Katherine  without  her.  She  felt  it  would  be 
worse  than  death.  As  she  opened  her  mouth  to 
ask  of  Cedric — for  she  saw  he  was  not  with  the 
party — the  King's  messenger  rode  into  the  court- 
yard. Mistress  Penwick  received  the  order  from 
the  courier  with  her  own  hand,  and  was  rejoiced 
at  it ;  Lady  Constance  flew  to  her  chamber  in  an 
ecstasy ;  Sir  Juliaii  roundly  disappointed  at  the 


What  Happened  in  the  Coach          297 

news  he  must  send  Cedric,  who  had  gone  on 
toward  Crandlemar.  There  was  no  help  for 
them  now.  They  were  under  the  King's  order ; 
but — what  might  not  happen  in  three  days  ? 

Sir  Julian  was  as  adamant  when  Constance 
proposed  a  trip  to  London,  and  would  under  no 
circumstances  allow  her  to  leave  the  inn.  Janet 
kept  Katherine  in  complete  seclusion,  fearing  lest 
some  new  thing  should  come  upon  them.  She 
did  not  fail,  however,  to  tell  Sir  Julian  of  the 
monk's  visit  to  the  grounds  of  the  villa  and  of 
his  project  to  accompany  her  to  the  King,  when 
an  audience  should  be  granted. 

"I  am  glad  thou  didst  apprise  me  of  this, 
Janet,  for  it  gives  me  an  idea.  I  have  seen  lurk- 
ing about  several  of  the  Order  and  have  watched 
them  carefully." 

The  morning  of  the  eventful  day  arrived.  Mis- 
tress Penwick  was  already  gowned  in  a  sombre 
old  woman's  dress.  A  hump  was  fastened  to  her 
shoulder ;  her  face  was  darkened  skillfully  and 
leprous  blotches  painted  thereon.  She  stepped 
like  a  Queen,  for  all  that,  and  'twas  feared  her 
falseness  would  become  evident  to  the  King's  eye. 

Lady  Constance  was  to  remain  at  the  inn,  a 
prisoner,  until  Sir  Julian  saw  fit  to  release  her. 
With  curious  eyes  she  watched  for  Katherine, 
whom  she  conceived  would  be  decked  in  irresisti- 
ble finery.  She  even  pictured  her  beauty,  clad  in 
that  soft  brocade  of  peach  and  green  that  so  be- 


298  Mistress  Penwick 

came  her  figure  and  enhanced  the  richness  of  her 
youthful  bloom. 

"  Ah !  ah  !  "  she  cried  under  her  breath,  as  she 
saw  the  maiden's  masque,  and  fairly  bit  her  lips 
in  rage  at  the  clever  ruse  about  to  be  played  upon 
the  King.  Back  she  flew  from  the  window  and 
pranced  up  and  down  her  chamber  in  rage,  her 
brain  on  fire.  She  sought  in  its  hot  depths  some 
way — some  way.  "  It  must  be  done.  The  King 
must  know.  It  would  be  the  convent  wench's 
ruin — and  what  would  his  Majesty  not  do  for 
one  who  should  give  him  hint  ?  "  She  was  not 
kept  under  close  guard.  She  could  go  about  the 
corridors  as  she  chose.  Out  she  flew  into  one  of 
these  and  saw  near  by  a  scullion  furbishing  a 
brass  knob. 

"  Come,  fool,  hast  thou  a  close  mouth  ? "  she 
said,  almost  in  a  whisper. 

"  Aye,  too  close  for  the  comfort  of  my  stom- 
ach." " 

"  Then  here — but  first,  bring  me  from  anywhere 
thou  canst  a  gentleman's  suit  that  will  cover  me 
in  plenty — not  too  scant,  remember,  and  bring  a 
horse  from  where  thou  likest  to  the  door  below. 
Haste  thee,  and  thou  shalt  have  this."  She 
jingled  a  well-filled  purse  in  his  face.  Off  he  ran 
in  hot  haste,  soon  returning  with  the  desired  out- 
fit ;  no  doubt  looted  from  some  gentleman's  closet 
near  by.  Quickly  she  donned  it ;  but  here  and 
there  were  slight  alterations  to  be  made,  and  her 


What  Happened  in  the  Coach          299 

fingers  were  all  a-tremble,  slackening  speed  to  a 
meagre  haste.  She  donned  a  red-hued  periwig 
and  cockle  hat,  then  strutted  back  and  forth, 
proud  of  her  fine  appearance,  as,  indeed,  she 
looked  a  roguish  fop  of  no  mean  parts.  She 
flung  out  into  the  passage  and  asked  the  lad  if 
the  horse  was  ready. 

"  Aye,  Sir  ! "  he  said,  impudently.  She  flung 
him  a  bag  of  gold  with  a  show  of  masculine 
strength.  Out  it  flew  through  the  open  window, 
down  to  the  pavement,  frightening  the  steed 
from  his  groom,  who  first  stopped  to  pluck  the 
bag  before  giving  chase  to  the  wily  horse.  Down 
came  the  scullion,  followed  close  by  the  gay 
young  fop,  who  waited  impatiently  outside  the 
door.  The  guard  looked  on  indifferently,  his 
eyes  fixed  upon  the  groom,  rather  than  the  young 
man  that  paced  restlessly  up  and  down  the  court- 
yard. 

At  last  Lady  Constance  dashed  out  upon  the 
highway  with  a  smile  of  cunning  on  her  face,^a 
devil's  flash  from  her  eyes,  a  haughty  curving  on 
her  lips,  and  her  heart  beating  faster  and  faster, 
the  nearer  she  drew  to  the  King's  palace.  "  One 
masque  is  as  fair  as  another,  and  methinks  the 
King's  eye  will  open  wider  at  my  boldness  than 
at  Mistress  Penwick's  plain  dissembling,  should 
he  require  a  fair  show  of  our  feigning.  He  will 
love  me  for  my  daring  and  for  bringing  him  the 
knowledge  aforetime  of  the  maid's  deception. 


300  Mistress  Penwick 

And  when  the  wench  smiles  in  triumph,  he  will 
bring  her  down  upon  her  knees  by  one  fair  blow 
of  tongue.  'T  would  be  like  his  Majesty  to  de- 
prive her  of  decent  covering,  if  I  can  only  make 
her  designing  plain  to  him."  On  she  rode  in  high 
good  humour  with  her  adventure;  for  if  this 
move  was  without  laches  or  mischance,  'twould 
be  a  triumph  indeed.  The  maid  would  be  ruined 
and  her  own  fortunes  made. 

The  coach  arrived  at  the  Koyal  Palace  upon 
the  stroke  of  four.  Mistress  Penwick  was  con- 
ducted to  the  King's  ante-chamber.  She  was 
visibly  nervous;  trying  vainly  to  calm  the  fast 
beating  of  her  heart.  When  at  last  she  was 
called,  Sir  Julian  walked  beside  her  to  the  thresh- 
old of  his  Majesty's  chamber.  The  King,  ever 
insouciant,  had  never  thought  to  ask  Monmouth 
the  maid's  name,  and  when  she  was  presented  as 
"Mistress  Wick,"  and  he  beheld  her  form  and 
attire,  he  was  amazed.  He  felt  he  had  been 
made  a  dupe ;  that  Monmouth  had  purposely 
made  him  believe  this  girl  was  beautiful  for  some 
subtle  cause,  perhaps  just  to  gain  an  audience  for 
her ; — then,  as  he  saw  the  spots  upon  her  face,  he 
recoiled  and  a  horrible  thought  came.  Had  she 
some  loathsome  disease  and  been  sent  to  him  that 
he  might —  He  started,  his  blood  boiling  with 
indignation.  "  Treason,"  he  cried  in  his  heart, 
and  before  the  maid  had  arisen  from  her  knees, 
he  called  for  her  dismissal.  She  was  taken  pre- 


"What  Happened  in  the  Coach          301 

cipitately  from  the  King's  presence  before  she 
had  time  to  open  her  mouth. 

The  King  was  greatly  wrought  upon,  giving 
Monmouth  the  blame.  The  matter  must  be 
sifted.  He  would  write  an  order  for  his  son's 
arrest,  and — yes,  the  woman  must  be  taken 
also. 

Sir  Julian  saw  it  all  in  Katherine's  disappointed 
and  half-angry  face,  but  without  giving  her  time 
to  relate  her  grievances,  rushed  her  to  the  coach, 
putting  her  into  it  with  very  little  ceremony. 
They  were  fairly  flying  from  the  Palace,  turning 
from  the  sight  of  a  young  fop  as  he  came  at  full 
gallop  through  the  throng  that  crowded  near  the 
Koyal  House. 

The  youth  made  known  his  desire  to  see  the 
King,  saying  the  matter  was  an  imperative  one. 
Even  as  he  spoke,  his  Majesty  came  from  within 
and  heard  the  breathless  request. 

"  What  now,  my  pretty  rogue ;  what  is  thy 
wish  ?  " 

"  May  I  speak  with  thee  apart  ?  "  said  the  lad, 
as  he  knelt  and  kissed  the  King's  hand.  "  'Tis 
something  of  import — a  trick  is  about  to  be 
played  upon  thee."  The  King  took  alarm. 

"  We  are  about  to  start  forth,  my  lad.  Come, 
thou  mayest  walk  by  our  side,  and  if  thy  speech 
is  as  neat  and  comely  as  thy  body,  'tis  possible 
ere  we  reach  the  end  of  yonder  corridor  thy 
tongue  will  have  won  for  thee  the  Royal  favour." 


302  Mistress  Pen  wick 

The  King  leant  upon  Constance  as  they  swag- 
gered along  down  the  passage. 

"  May  I  be  so  bold  as  to  inquire  of  your  Maj- 
esty if  there  has  not  come  to  thee  a  woman  with 
swart  marks  upon  her  face  and  a  hump  on  her 
back,  preferring  a  petition  for  thy  signature  to 
some  lands  now  held  by  the  Catholics  ?  "  The 
King  started  and  looked  now  with  great  interest 
upon  the  girlish  fop,  and  speaking  slowly  as  he 
answered, — 

"  Why,  yes ;  she  hath  come  and  gone.  What 
of  her?" 

"She  hath  played  foully  upon  her  King.  I 
would  give,  Sire,  half  my  life  to  have  seen  your 
Majesty  compel  her  to  wash  the  painted  spots 
from  her  face  and  take  from  her  shoulder  the 
false  hump,  and  she 

"  Ah  !  ah ! "  came  from  the  thoroughly  awaked 
King. 

"— —  is  the  greatest  beauty  in  England."  For 
the  first  time  Constance  gave  Katherine  her  dues. 

"  Dost  thou  speak  truth,  lad  ?  " 

"  I  fear  my  King  too  much  to  speak  otherwise, 
unless,  indeed,  it  were  to  save  his  life." 

"  Then — "  said  the  King,  with  flashing  eyes. 
— "  We  shall  have  her  back  ;  we'll  send  for  her 
at  once ;  and,  my  pretty  lad,  thou  shalt  remain 
here  to  see  the  fun,  with  your  King.  'Twill  be 
rare  sport,  eh  ?  "  He  gave  Constance  so  sound  a 
smack  upon  the  shoulder,  it  came  near  to  knock- 


What  Happened  in  the  Coach          303 

ing  her  flat.  It  brought  the  tears  and  made  her 
bite  her  tongue.  The  King  fairly  roared  with 
laughter. 

Buckingham  heard  the  King's  order  to  recall 
the  woman.  He  also  knew  the  King's  informant, 
and  for  reasons  of  his  own  sent  straightway  one 
to  intercept  his  Majesty's  messenger. 

Lady  Constance,  believing  that  Sir  Julian, 
with  Katherine,  would  return  to  Tabard  Inn, 
mentioned  it.  This,  of  course,  allowing  they  fol- 
lowed Constance'  suggestion,  gave  Sir  Julian  a 
good  start  and  Buckingham's  messengers  time  to 
reach  their  several  destinations. 

The  night  had  come  with  even  greater  heat 
than  the  day.  The  sultry  gloaming  foretold  a 
near-by  storm.  Clouds  were  brewing  fast  and 
thick,  with  ominous  mutterings.  Already  every 
inch  of  blue  sky  was  overcast  with  a  blackness 
that  was  heavy  and  lowering.  Occasionally  the 
sullen  thunder  was  prefaced  by  a  jaundiced  light 
that  swathed  the  skies  from  end  to  end.  The 
coach  bearing  Katherine  and  Janet  left  the  cause- 
way and  entered  a  thick  forest.  The  great  trees 
seemed  even  larger  ;  their  silence  becoming  por- 
tentous. There  was  not  a  breath  of  air.  Kath- 
erine fanned  herself  with  Janet's  hat,  but  hardly 
did  her  efforts  create  a  breeze  large  enough  to 
move  the  threads  of  hair  that  waved  above  her 
forehead. 

They  had  proceeded  but  a  short  way  into  the 


304  Mistress  Penwick 

forest  when  the  postilion  got  down  to  light  the 
lamps. 

Sir  Julian  rode  close  to  the  window  and  spoke 
of  the  approaching  storm.  The  stillness  was 
ominous ;  there  being  no  sound  save  the  plash  of 
a  muskrat  as  he  skurried  through  a  dismal,  dark 
pool  near  by.  Katherine  jumped  at  the  noise 
and  her  small  hand  grasped  the  arm  of  Sir  Jul- 
ian, as  it  lay  across  the  ledge  of  the  window. 
She  gave  a  little  gasp — just  enough  to  touch  Sir 
Julian  tenderly. 

"  'Tis  nothing  but  a  lusty  genet,  my  dear,"  and 
his  hand  closed  over  hers  for  a  moment.  There 
was  something  about  that  touch  that  thrilled 
them  both ;  he  leant  farther  toward  her  as  an- 
other flash  came  through  the  trees  and  was  sure 
he  saw  a  flush  upon  her  face.  The  lights  from 
the  lanterns  flashed  up,  then — stood  silent  and 
unmoved,  the  boy's  breath  who  stood  over  them 
was  swallowed  in  the  hot  air.  Then  the  coach 
began  to  move  and  at  the  same  time  the  giant 
trees  stirred  in  a  peculiar  way.  They,  like  a  vast 
army,  bent  low  with  a  sound  as  of  heavy  artillery 
rumbling  over  a  bridge  that  covered  vacuous 
depths.  Then  they  began  a  deafening  noise,  their 
branches  sweeping  hard  against  the  coach  win- 
dows. 

Katherine  lay  back  languidly  against  the  cush- 
ions, still  trembling  from  the  gentle  pressure  of 
Sir  Julian's  hand.  For  a  moment  only  she  en- 


What  Happened  in  the  Coach          305 

joyed  this  sweet  dissipation,  then  turned  from  it 
as  if  duty  called  her  to  think  of  her  visit  to  the 
King.  She  consoled  herself  that  she  had  done 
all  she  could  now.  When  she  reached  Crandle- 
mar,  she  should  be  better  able  to  collect  her 
thoughts  and  see  what  would  be  the  next  best 
thing  to  do.  She  longed  to  see  Lord  Cedric  and 
the  Duke  and  Duchess.  She  even  fell  to  imagin- 
ing how  the  grand,  old  place  would  look  in  mid- 
summer. It  seemed  like  she  had  been  gone 
months.  Would  Cedric  be  changed,  she  won- 
dered ?  Wrould  he  be  pale  and  fragile  looking  ? 

So  great  was  Sir  Julian's  haste,  and  so  great 
was  the  heat,  the  horses  were  soon  exhausted  and 
began  to  lag.  Sir  Julian  thought  they  were  near 
an  inn,  as  it  soon  proved.  He  flung  open  the 
door  and  almost  lifted  Katherine  from  the  coach, 
so  great  was  his  haste.  Supper  was  awaiting 
them  and  Katherine  for  the  moment  alone,  near 
an  open  window, — the  room  appeared  close  to 
suffocation  with  humid  heat — waited  for  Sir  Jul- 
ian to  take  his  seat  at  her  side.  Janet  was  ar- 
ranging a  posset.  Suddenly  Katherine  heard  a 
soft  voice  behind  her;  it  was  low  and  intense. 
Hardly  could  she  distinguish  it  from  the  sough- 
ing of  the  wind  in  the  trees.  She  half-turned 
her  head  to  listen  as  Sir  Julian  came  toward  her. 
But  she  caught  the  words : 

"  Abbe will  be  in  the  coach  upon  thy  return. 

Enjoin  silence  upon  thy  nurse  and  be  not  afraid." 


306  Mistress  Penwick 

She  thought  Sir  Julian  looked  at  her  suspi- 
ciously ;  but  was  quite  sure  he  had  not  seen  or 
heard  the  person  behind  her. 

Janet,  while  in  the  coach  had  bathed  the 
maid's  face  and  taken  from  her  the  garb  of  dis- 
guise, and  Katherine  now  looked  her  sweet  self 
again,  flushed  and  thoughtful  over  this  new  ad- 
venture. She  was  most  like  her  father,  ever 
looking  for  new  fields  to  conquer.  Sir  Julian 
asked  her  if  she  would  be  frightened  at  a  severe 
storm.  She  answered  it  made  her  somewhat 
nervous  to  be  abroad. 

"  Then  I  will  ride  inside  with  thee " 

"Nay,  I  could  not  think  of  allowing  thee. 
The  air  is  too  oppressive."  Sir  Julian  insisted, 
but  to  no  avail.  As  they  were  about  to  leave 
the  inn,  Katherine  whispered  to  Janet  that  an 
Abbe  would  be  in  the  coach  and  enjoined  silence 
and  deaf  ears. 

"  I  did  not  catch  his  name,  but  I'm  quite  sure 
his  voice  rung  like  Abbe  La  Fosse's.  They  have 
doubtless  heard  I  am  on  my  way  to  the  castle, 
and,  knowing  'twould  be  impossible  to  see  me 
there,  they  have  taken  this  way,  being  impatient 
to  know  how  fell  my  suit  with  the  King."  Janet 
for  once  had  no  answering  word,  but  uttered  a 
groan  of  seeming  dissent  and  followed  her  mis- 
tress, who  leant  upon  Sir  Julian's  arm. 

The  dim  light  cast  from  the  lanterns  was  well- 
nigh  swallowed  up  in  the  intense  gloom.  The 


What  Happened  in  the  Coach          307 

rain  was  already  falling  rapidly  and  Sir  Julian 
opined  that  it  was  a  hopeful  sign,  as  it  presaged 
no  sudden  gust  that  would  tear  things  to  pieces. 
The  door  of  the  coach  slammed  to  and  the  horses 
started  at  gallop  through  the  windy  forest.  Mis- 
tress Pen  wick,  now  for  the  first  time  alone,  that 
is  without  the  surveillance  of  Cantemir  or  Eustis, 
with  a  beloved  Father  of  her  church,  flung  her- 
self upon  her  knees  at  his  side,  saying : 

"  Beloved  Father,  my  visit  to  the  King  was 
fruitless ;  he  received  me  most  coldly."  The 
Abbe  lifted  her  from  her  knees  as  she  spoke, 
placing  her  beside  him.  Her  face  was  close  to 
his,  for  the  noise  of  the  horses'  hoofs  and  the 
rattling  of  spurs  and  bits  and  the  ever-rumbling 
thunder  made  speech  difficult.  His  face  turned 
toward  her  was  hid  in  the  shadow  of  his  cowl, 
and  he  drew  the  hood  even  closer  as  he  an- 
swered,— 

"  We  feared  it,  mightily,"  and  his  voice  was 
barely  heard  above  the  noise. 

"  But  it  grieves  me  more  than  I  can  tell." 

"  Nay.     Thou  must  not  let  it." 

"  But  it  does,  I  cannot  help  it ;  and  I  see  also 
thy  disappointment,  for  thy  hands  tremble." 

"  We  have  had  much  to  unnerve  us,  and  I  am 
still  under  restraint." 

"  I  would  thou  hadst  sent  a  better  embassage  !  " 

"We  could  not  have  found  a  fairer."  At  these 
words  Mistress  Penwick  shrunk  from  him,  re- 


308  Mistress  Penwick 

membering  her  disguise ;  which,  though  it  was  a 
custom  of  the  time  for  one  to  go  masqued  when 
and  where  they  pleased,  upon  whatsoever  mis- 
sion, yet  she  felt  guilty  to  positive  wickedness 
for  having  so  cloaked  her  beauty,  and  did  not 
the  Father's  words  imply  that  her  charms  should 
have  won  success  ?  For  a  moment  she  remained 
silent.  A  flash  of  lightning  fell  broad  through 
the  open  window.  She  quickly  glanced  at  Janet, 
who  appeared  to  be  asleep  in  her  corner.  Kath- 
erine  bent  her  face  clpse  to  the  Abbe's  and  whis- 
pered,— 

"Father,  might  I  not  here  make  my  confes- 
sions ?  I  would  have  come  to  thee  at  the  mon- 
astery if  it  had  been  possible.  The  confessional 
lias  not  been  open  to  me  since  I  left  the  convent, 
and  I  feel  I  must  confess.  I  must  noAv ;  for  I 
know  not  when  I  shall  be  able  again  to  have 
converse  with  a  priest.  May  I,  Father  ?  " 

"  "Tis  a  noisome,  stormy  night  and  thy  nurse 
there " 

"  I  will  speak  low,  beside  I  care  not  if  she  does 
hear  that  that  doth  concern  myself ;  for,  indeed 
she  understands  me  better  than  I  understand 
myself.  Then  I  may  speak,  Father  ?  " 

"  I  will  hear  that  I  deem  needful  for  the  peace 
of  thy  soul ;  if  perchance  thy  soul  be  wrought 
upon  unhappily  ;  and  for  sins  innocently  done  I 
absolve  thee  already."  Mistress  Penwick  half 
knelt  by  the  cowled  figure  and  placed  her  elbows 


What  Happened  in  the  Coach          309 

upon  his  knees,  and  after  saying  the  prayers  of 
contrition  leant  her  face  close  to  his. 

"  I  have  been  guilty  of  what  I  believe  to  be  a 
very  great  sin.  Father,  I  disguised  myself  to  go 
before  the  King !  "  She  trembled  and  bent  her 
head.  The  priest's  voice  was  calm  and  unper- 
turbed. 

"  And  why  didst  thou  that  ?  " 

"I  heard  'twas  an  unsafe  thing  for  a  maid 
boasting  of  some  fairness  to  visit  the  King." 

"Why  so?" 

"I  have  heard  he  keeps  them  for  his  own 
pleasure,  allowing  not  their  return." 

"  And  didst  thou  think  we  would  have  let  thee 
go  to  him,  had  it  not  been  safe  ?  " 

"  But  I  thought,  good  Father,  living  as  closely 
as  thou  dost,  thou  didst  not  know  of  the  matters 
of  the  world,  and  I  ventured  to  use  my  own 
judgment,  meaning  no  harm.  But  I  will  go  to 
him  unmasqued  if  thou  dost  appoint  it  so.  I  in- 
tend to  do  so.  Shall  I  not  ?  " 

"  Nay,  thou  hast  done  all  and  more  than  is  ex- 
pected of  thee." 

"  How,  more  ?  " 

"  'Twas  brave  to  go  at  all  after  hearing  of  his 
Majesty's  demeanour." 

"  But  I  was  not  very  much  afraid ;  indeed,  I 
became  very  calm  as  I  entered  his  presence." 

"  If  I  understand,  thou  wert  ambitious  to  be- 
come a  Maid  of  Honour." 


310  Mistress  Penwick 

"  At  one  time,  but  having  better  acquaintance 
with  the  Court,  I  feel  my  ardour  has  cooled." 

"  We  have  gone  somewhat  astray,  my  child. 
We  will  finish  thy  confessions  for  I  soon  must 
leave  thee.  Indeed,  if  this  is  the  weighty  part 
of  thy  sins,  there  is  no  need  to  confess  any 
more." 

"  One  thing  I  am  particularly  anxious  to  in- 
quire of  thee.  Since  love  comes  and  we  cannot 
help  it,  'twould  be  wrong  not  to  give  it  place  ?  " 

"If  the  love  is  love  and  not  masquerading 
passion,  and  it  comes  from  one  who  is  not  alto- 
gether unworthy  of  thee  ?  " 

"Indeed,  he  is  most  worthy,  barring  his 
religion,  which  is  Protestant.  I  would  have 
advice  upon  this  matter,  for  I  believe  the  love  is 
mutual." 

"  My  child,  if  his  heart  is  good  and  true,  and 
thou  lovest  him,  and  he  thee,  the  manner  of 
worshipping  God  should  not  be  of  question,  since 
one  shows  his  love  one  way  and  another  another. 
The  common  scullion,  who,  from  year's  end  to 
year's  end  sees  not  inside  the  holy  sanctuary,  may 
carry  in  his  heart  the  divine  image  of  God  and 
pay  him  homage  every  breath  he  draws ;  while 
he  who  walks  in  sacred  robes  and  abides  ever  in 
the  shadow  of  the  cross,  taking  part  in  all  the 
forms,  pomps,  vanities  and  varied  monotony,  may 
have  Satan  within  him  and  breathes  out  flames 
of  hell  as  he  intones.  We  can  in  all  things 


What  Happened  in  the  Coach          311 

beside  religion  discern  punctilio.  There  is  no 
sect  that  has  the  control  of  the  Holy  Spirit ;  it  is 
the  exclusive  property  of  the  individual  who 
gains  the  right  and  title  of  it  by  the  keeping  of 
the  ten  commandments.  So,  if  thou  art  sure 
thou  dost  love  the  youth,  and  art  most  sure  he 
loves  thee  sincerely,  then " 

"Then,  indeed,  I  am  most  happy;  for  I  am 
sure  he  is  noble  and  good  and — loves  me." 

"When  didst  thou  learn  that  he  loved  thee; 
for  if  I  mistake  not,  thou  wert  recently  bent  upon 
marrying  one  Adrian  Cantemir,  who,  I  must  de- 
clare, is  altogether  unworthy  of  a  maid  who  doth 
possess  such  virtue." 

"I  have  learned  to  since — since — I  can't  tell 
when — I  knew  I  loved  him — yesterday — the  day 
before.  I  know  it  now.  I  tremble  when  I  think 
of  how  well  I  love  him.  I  have  been  so  uncertain, 
Father.  I  thought  I  loved  this  one,  and  then 
another,  and  for  a  time  I  was  not  sure  I  knew 
what  love  was.  Then  it  came  to  me  on  a  sudden 
that  I  would  rather  die  than  live  all  my  life 
without  the  one  I  so  desired.  And  yesterday  I 
knew  of  a  certainty  that  I  loved  and  that  I  was 
loved." 

"  Yesterday  ?  " — and  the  priest  winced,  and 
there  was  pain  in  the  tone  of  his  voice  as  he 
uttered  the  word. 

"Aye,  yesterday — I  was  thinking.  I  thought 
of  his  kindness  to  me — of  the  deference  he  has 


312  Mistress  Pen  wick 

shown  me,  of  his  great  patience  toward  me  ;  and 
I  saw  how  well  he  loved  me." 

"  Was  it  the  King's  son,  my  child  ?  " 
"  Nay,  one  not  nearly  so  gentle  as  the  Duke. 
He  is  more  noble  at  heart  and  hath  a  most  noble 
name.  He  hath  a  handsome  countenance,  more 
even  than  the  Duke's,  and  Janet  says  he  hath  the 
finest  mould  in  all  England.  Indeed,  I  do  not 
know  so  much  about  such  things,  but  I  am  sure 
his  hands  are  near  as  small  as  mine,  but  with  a 
grasp  like  iron.  He  is  wonderfully  strong  and 
hath  an  awful  stamp  when  in  rage,  and  his 
temper  is  most  violent  and  bad,  and  his  tongue 
is  vicious ; — indeed,  Father,  I  know  not  what  to 
do  with  his  oaths.  They  frighten  me." 

"  Perhaps  if  thou  shouldst  go  to  him  and  ask 
in  all  gentleness,  he  would  leave  off  blasphemy." 
"But  I  have  no  influence  with  him.     When 
anger  takes  him,  he  is  terrible." 

"  Then  I'm  afraid  he  does  not  love  thee." 
"  Aye,  he  loves  me ;  but  wants  his  own  way, 
and — to  be  sure,  I  love  him  quite  as  well  when 
he  does  have  his  way — which  is  not  often. 
Janet  says  I  provoke  him  to  swear."  Again  the 
priest  started  and  his  white  hands  trembled  sus- 
piciously. 

"  And  how  dost  thou  so  provoke  him,  child  ?  " 

"  He  would  marry  me  straightway  and  give  me 

not  time  to  know  whether  I  wanted  him  or  not, 

and  I  refused  and  he  fell  into  an  awful  fury  and 


"What  Happened  in  the  Coach          313 

swore  oaths  and  I  could  not  stop  him, — Father,  I 
said  I  hated  him,  and  now  he  so  believes,  and  I 
would  have  him  think  otherwise ;  yet  I  would  not 
tell  him  for  the  world.  When  I  meet  him,  it  shall 
be — with  cold  looks." 

"  Then  how  is  he  to  know  thy  mind  ?  " 

"I  know  not."  Katherine  shook  her  head 
dolefully. 

"  Then  when  he  greets  thee,  why  not  smile  at 
him  and  look  thy  feelings  ?  " 

"  I  know  not,  only  'tis  my  way.  I  shall  love 
to  hear  him  plead  again.  I  hated  to  hear  it 
once ;  but  now — 'twill  be  like  music." 

"  What  if  he  is  cold  to  thee  ?  " 

"If  he  is  cold,  I  will  go  to  him  and  ask  him  to 
forgive  me  for  what  I  have  done." 

"  Then  thou  art  culpable  ?  " 

"  Aye,  I  fear  I  am,  for  he  now  suffers  for  my 
fault,  or  rather  for  his  love  of  me." 

"  But  if  he  greets  thee  with  all  love  and  holds 
out  his  arms  to  thee  ?  " 

"Then  I  shall  be  most  happy,  but  shall  act 
indifferently." 

"  I  am  afraid  thou  dost  treat  a  serious  matter 
lightly ;  for  'tis  a  fickle  thing ;  if  he  meets  thee 
with  open  arms,  thou  wilt  be  cruel ;  if  he  greets 
thee  coldly,  thou  wilt  be  indifferent — for  fear  of 
thy  maiden  scruples.  What  if  he  takes  thee 
unawares  ?  " 

"  How,  unawares  ?  " 


314  Mistress  Penwick 

"  He  might  trick  thee  into  a  thing  thou  couldst 
not  recede  from.  If  thou  didst  find  thyself  so 
placed,  wouldst  thou  forgive  him  and  love  him 
just  the  same  ?  " 

"I  must  always  love  him,  no  matter  what  trick 
he  plays ; — but  he  will  play  me  no  trick.  If  he 
should  again  threaten  to  lock  me  up,  as  he  has 
done  heretofore,  I  would  go  to  him  and  say, — 
1  Nay,  I  will  marry  thee  now,  Cedric  ! ' ' 

"  God,  Kate  !  Kate  !  "  And  the  priest  threw 
his  arms  about  her,  almost  crushing  her  in  his 
great  embrace.  The  cowl  slipt  from  his  head 
and  his  dark  curls  swept  her  face  as  he  bent 
over  her.  Instantly  she  knew  him  and  straight- 
way fell  into  a  rage. 

"  Thou,  thou,  Lord  Cedric,  dare  to  receive  con- 
fession from  one  whose  life  thou  hast  no  part  in. 
Dost  thou  know  the  penalty  of  such  wickedness  ? 
All  evil  will  be  visited  upon  thee  for  playing  the 
part  of  a  holy  priest.  Indeed,  of  all  the  sins  I 
had  deemed  thee  capable,  I  had  ne'er  thought  of 
one  so  wicked  as  this ! "  She  fell  back  in  the 
corner  of  the  coach  in  such  fury,  she  could  not 
find  further  utterance. 


CHAPTER  XX 

UNPKOCLAIMED   BANNS 

"  INDEED,  Mistress  Pen  wick,  I  asked  not  for 
thy  confessions.  But  now  that  I  have  heard 
them,  'tis  my  meed  to  be  punished  by  thy  sharp 
tongue  for  that  I  could  not  help.  Come,  Sweet, 
forgive  and  love  me.  Have  I  not  suffered 
enough  ?  " 

"  Lambkin,  I  am  out  of  all  humour  with  thee. 
Thou  art  half  a  termagant,  I  admit ! " 

"  And  thou,  too,  wert  privy  to  this  deception. 
I  am  truly  without  friends !  "  and  the  maid  began 
to  weep  softly  behind  her  handkerchief.  Lord 
Cedric  was  beside  himself  with  his  folly. 

"If  I  only  could  have  withstood  thee;  but 
how  could  I  with  thy  tender  words  and  thy  close- 
ness   " 

"  There  is  nothing  accomplished  but  mistakes ! " 
Janet  ventured,  being  impatient  with  both  Ced- 
ric and  Kate. 

" Kate  ! — Kate  !  dost  not  thou  know  how 

I  have  longed  for  thee ;  how  my  heart  has  ached 

in  thine  absence  ?    Those  two  whole  days  I  lay 

abed  were  like  so  many  years,  and  when  I  thought 

315 


316  Mistress  Penwick 

of  thy  danger,  I  fell  into  a  fever  and  I  arose  and 
leapt  upon  the  fleetest  steed  and  rode  until  my 
fever  cooled ;  and  then — when  I  had  thee  once 
more,  I  could  not  keep  from  thee  longer ;  I  re- 
solved upon  this  plan  that  I  might  be  with  thee, 
and  ride  by  thy  side.  And  thou  dost  murder  me 
outright.  Thou  dost  kill  me,  Kate!  I  was  a 
fool  to  undertake  it,  I  know ;  but  I  thought  of 
two  whole  days  I  should  be  separated  from  thee 
and  felt  I  could  not  bear  to  wait.  Thy  words, 
Kate,  were  so  sweet.  Kate,  come  to  me  once 
more  and  see  how  loving  I  can  be.  Let  me  dry 
thy  tears, — let  thy  head  rest  here  upon  my  heart 
and  close  thine  eyes  and  dream — dream,  Kate, 
of  what  we  must  be  to  each  other,  and  then  wake 
and  find  me  bending  over  thee.  Come,  Sweet, 
come  !  "  He  sought  her  elusive  fingers  and  tried 
to  draw  her  to  him  with  a  tenderness  she  could 
hardly  withstand;  but  she  would  not  unbend, 
drawing  from  him,  sinking  further  into  the 
corner. 

"And   did   Sir   Julian  know  of   this  ruse  of 
thine  ?  "  she  asked,  haughtily. 

"  Janet,  methinks  the  maid  speaks  with  thee ! " 

"What  is  it,  Lambkin  ?    I  was  not  listening." 

"I  will  wait  until  the  storm  ceases,  perhaps 

thou  wilt  find  thy  hearing  by  then."     There  was 

a  long  silence  within  the  coach.     The  tears  of 

Mistress  Penwick  were  dried  and  she  sat  sullen, 

deliberately  trying  to  hate  Lord  Cedric.     There 


Unproclaimed  Banns  317 

came  a  sudden  burst  of  thunder  that  turned  the 
tide  of  her  thoughts  from  him  to  Sir  Julian,  who 
rode  by  her  window  constantly.  At  every  flash 
of  lightning  she  saw  his  spurs  glisten,  saw  the 
foam  fly  from  the  bits  of  his  horse's  bridle.  He 
rode  there  in  the  storm,  heedless  of  all  but  her 
safety  and  comfort,  he  that  had  wounds  on  his 
body  that  spake  of  great  deeds  of  nobleness  and 
valour !  Why  should  he  care  for  her  so  ?  Like 
a  flood  he  swept  into  her  heart,  and  she  accepted 
his  presence  with  gladness — shutting  out  Cedric 
as  well  as  she  was  able.  She  inclined  her  head 
toward  the  window  and  watched  the  handsome 
figure  of  Sir  Julian  with  a  new  interest.  His 
form,  so  like  that  of  Cedric,  she  began  to  com- 
pare with  ancient  warriors  she  had  read  about 
and  seen  pictures  of, — then  his  tender  and  mean- 
ing-hand pressure  recurred  to  her,  and  she  flushed 
mightily.  After  awhile  she  fell  to  thinking  of 
the  Duke  of  Honmouth,  the  tender  thoughts  of 
whom  she  had  not  yet  resigned, — such  were  the 
vacillations  of  the  mind  of  strong,  warm,  youth- 
ful Mistress  Pen  wick. 

The  storm  grew  furious,  and  the  wind  blew 
such  a  gale  it  appeared  at  times  as  if  the  trees 
swept  the  earth.  They  bended  and  swung  rudely, 
brushing  hard  against  the  windows.  In  the 
midst  of  its  severity  the  coach  came  to  a  stand- 
still and  Lord  Cedric  threw  open  the  door.  Janet 
leant  quickly  toward  him, — 


318  Mistress  Pen  wick 

"  I  pray  thee  not  to  go  forth  in  the  storm,  my 
lord  ;  'tis  enough  to  give  thee  thy  death." 

"  Nay,  nay,  Janet,  'twill  not  be  summer  rain 
that  will  kill  me,  but  cold  looks  and  threatening 
mien."  And  he  stepped  out  into  the  night. 

"  What,  Lambkin,  if  Lord  Cedric  should  catch 
cold  and  die?  'T would  kill  thee,  too;  for  re- 
morse would  give  thee  no  rest." 

"  I  never  so  disliked  him  as  I  do  now.  I  never 
want  to  see  him  again.  How  shall  I  look  him 
in  the  face  after  confessing  such  things  ?  I  shall 
die  of  shame.  That  is  all  he  wanted  to  hear  me 
say,  and — he  heard  it — and  that  is  all  the  benefit 
he  will  get."  Again  she  fell  to  weeping,  finding 
she  could  wring  no  sympathy  from  Janet,  who 
sat  coldly  listening  to  her  nursling's  plaints. 

They  reached  Crandlemar  late  the  second  even- 
ing, tired  and  weary.  The  Duchess  of  Ellswold 
greeted  them  with  a  happy  countenance,  so 
pleased  that  she  could  make  known  to  them  that 
her  lord  was  better  and  the  physicians  had  given 
permission  to  remove  him  to  his  own  county  seat. 
Her  greeting  to  Katherine  in  particular  was  evi- 
dently a  forced  one  ;  she  feeling  sorely  distressed 
at  her  capricious  nature. 

Never  did  the  great  old  seat  look  so  beautiful 
as  it  did  in  its  midsummer  glory.  Mistress  Pen- 
wick  had  arisen  early  and  walked  out  upon  the 
rich  greensward.  She  wandered  from  place  to 
place,  enjoying  the  gorgeous  fullness  of  leaf  and 


Unproclaimed  Banns  319 

bloom.  She  felt  a  strange  disquiet,  a  longing  for 
love  and  knowing  not  the  meaning  of  her  unrest 
vainly  tried  to  find  comfort  in  the  beauty  of  the 
outer  world,  that  only  inclined  her  heart  the 
more  to  its  desire.  She  passed  from  flower  to 
flower,  endeavouring  to  'suage  the  uprisings  of 
Cupid.  Suddenly  she  heard  the  organ  peal  forth, 
and  straightway  she  entered  the  library  to  hear 
those  great,  soothing  chords  the  better.  She, 
being  shaken  by  love,  fell  upon  her  knees  and 
tried  to  pray  for  comfort,  for  she  felt  at  the  mo- 
ment she  had  not  one  to  comfort  her.  Janet  had 
been  taciturn,  showing  not  her  affection  as  had 
been  her  wont  heretofore.  The  tears  came,  and 
she  wept  aloud.  Then  the  organ  ceased  and  a 
moment  later  Sir  Julian  stood  upon  the  landing 
of  the  stairway,  looking  down  upon  her.  With- 
out noise  he  descended  and  stood  by  her  side. 
His  voice,  when  he  spoke,  appeared  shaken  as  if 
a  storm  of  love  wrought  upon  it. 

"  Katherine !  It  pains  me  to  see  thee  thus. 
Can  I  not  give  thee  some  bit  of  comfort  ?  " 

"I  am  comforted  already,  Sir  Julian;  thy 
music  did  that." 

"  Then  why  dost  still  remain  with  bowed  head 
and  thy  sobs  unassuaged  ?  " 

"  I  do  not  know.  I  must  either  laugh  or  cry 
and — 'tis  easier  to  do  the  latter." 

"  Come  !  Mistress  Pen  wick,  what  can  I  do  for 
thee  ?  Ask,  I  pray,  anything,  for  thy  happiness 


320  Mistress  Pen  wick 

— Katherine — "  and  for  the  first  time  in  his  life 
he  looked  guiltily  about  him.  But  no  one  was 
near  to  hear  him,  and  he  continued  lowly — "  thou 
dost  know,  surely,  that  man  cannot  look  on  thee 
without  loving?"  and  he  raised  her  from  her 
knees. 

"I  am  unloved,"  she  answered,  the  social  lie 
tinging  her  cheek  to  a  brighter  hue. 

"  Not  so,  for  I  love  thee." 

"  Thou,  thou,  Sir  Julian,  who  art  used  to  spurn- 
ing woman's  heart  ?  " 

"  Not  spurn,  nay  !  I  have  not  found  one  yet 
I  could  do  that  to,  and  on  the  other  hand  I 
have  found  but  one  I  could  love,  and — that  is 
thine." 

"  Ah,  Sir  Julian.  I  wonder  if  thou  dost  love 
me.  'Tis  a  great  thing  to  be  loved  by  one  who 
has  fought  in  great  battles." 

"  And  thou  dost  not  know  that  the  battle  of 
hearts  is  much  deadlier  than  that  of  arms  ?  " 

"  I  do  not  know  ;  but  thou  seemest  like  a  war- 
rior of  olden  time.  And  for  thee  to  love  me  !  " 

"  Is  it  enough  ?  Wilt  thou  give  thyself  to 
me  ?  "  There  was  a  silence  so  long  and  unbroken 
Katherine  was  made  to  realize  that  her  reply  was 
not  to  be  lightly  uttered,  so  she  answered  with 
all  the  strength  of  a  plaything  of  caprice,— 

"  If  thou  wilt  have  it  so,  Sir  Julian,  I  will  be 
thine." 

She  had  hardly  finished,  when  he  laid  his  lips, 


Unproclaimed  Banns  321 

to  her  astonishment,  coldly  and  with  formal  grace 
upon  her  forehead. 

"  I  will  not  ask  thee  if  thou  lovest  me,  but  will 
say  instead  dost  think  thou  mayest  ?  " 

"But  I  think  I  love  thee  now " 

"  Nay,  sweet  Mistress,  thou  dost  not — "  A 
look  of  fear  came  into  her  eyes.  Had  Lord 
Cedric  told  her  confessions?  Nay,  nayl  he 
would  not,  she  knew. 

"How  dost  come  by  so  much  knowledge?" 
she  said,  coquettishly. 

"  I  have  ascertained  by  subtleness,  but — let  it 
pass.  Let  us  talk  of  thee  now.  When  wilt  thou 
marry  me  ?  If  thou  art  kind,  thou  wilt  say  at 
once." 

"  Nay,  I  shall  not  say  that — but — whenever 
thou  dost  wish  it." 

"  Of  a  surety  ?  When  I  name  the  hour,  wilt 
thou  not  gainsay  ?  " 

"  Nay,  my  lord.     I  will  not  gainsay." 

"Then — at  eleven,  Katherine."  She  caught 
her  breath  quickly  and  cried  forth, — 

"  This  day,  Sir  Julian !  Indeed,  thou  art  in 
haste,  I— I " 

"  Thou  hast  given  thy  word.  At  eleven, 
Katherine." 

"  By  sands  or  dial  ?  " 

"  Ah,  sweet  Katherine,  both  shall  have  a  bridal 
favour.  We  will  confer  with  each.  When  the 
golden  sand  runs  out  at  the  eleventh  hour,  the 


322  Mistress  Penwick 

dial  will  be  alone  and  in  shadow ;  for  if  it  please 
thee,  we  must  be  wed  secretly  and  in  haste.  I 
noticed  but  awhile  ago  how  beautiful  the  dial 
was.  So  the  sands  shall  give  us  the  hour,  the 
dial  the  altar,  and  the  nightingale  the  nuptial 
mass." 

"  But  the  priest,  Sir  Julian " 

"He  shall  give  us  the  blessing " 

"  Nay,  nay  ;  where  wilt  thou  find  a  priest  ?  " 
This  was  not  an  unexpected  question,  and  Sir 
Julian  was  ready  for  it. 

"  Lord  Cedric's  Chaplain  can  wed  us  as  se- 
curely as  one  of  thy  church,  and  as  there  is  no 
one  else,  he  will  serve,  will  he  not,  Katherine  ?  " 

"  Until  we  find  a  better." 

"Then,  not  to  arouse  suspicion,  to-night  at 
eleven  thou  wilt  come  to  the  sun-dial  and  I  will 
meet  thee  at  the  foot  of  the  stair  that  leads  from 
thy  chamber  to  the  terrace,  and  then — 'twill  be 
soon  over  and  thou,  thou,  Katherine,  will  be — 
wife.  Wilt  not  regret  it, — art  sure  ? "  he  re- 
peated as  she  shook  her  head  negatively. 

"  But  why  do  all  men  appear  in  such  haste  to 
wed  ?  I  would  have  time  to  at  least  think  upon 
it." 

"  Dost  forget  that  at  any  moment  may  come  a 
courier  from  the  King  to  recall  thee ;  and  if  so, 
thou  wouldst  be  obliged  to  go  and  be  separated 
from  us,  perhaps  forever  ?  Thou  dost  not  know 
what  may  befall  thee  at  any  moment.  Thou 


Unproclaimed  Banns  323 

dost  belong  to  France,  and  art  hostage  to  Eng- 
land— thou  wilt  be  ready  at  eleven  ?  " 

"  Aye,  at  eleven." 

"  We  will  be  cautious  and  not  speak  above  a 
whisper.  The  Chaplain  will  speak  low,  too ;  but 
he  is  a  good  soul  and  would  make  us  fast  wed 
whether  we  heard  him  or  not."  Again  he  kissed 
her  forehead ;  she  turned  rose-red  and  ran  from 
him  hastily.  She  thought  not  once  of  Cedric. 
Had  she  done  so,  'tis  possible  she  never  would 
have  gone  to  the  dial  that  summer  night.  She 
flew  to  her  chamber  aflame  with  this  new  thing 
she  thought  was  love.  And  felt  relief  that  soon 
Sir  Julian,  the  strong  and  brave,  would  take 
away  all  her  discomfort.  He  would  fight  her 
battles  for  her,  go  with  her  to  the  King  and 
stand  by  her  side  and  his  Majesty  would  not  dare 
to  offer  her  insult.  It  would  be  a  sweet  task  to 
convert  Sir  Julian  to  her  faith.  He  would  be- 
came a  great  Catholic  leader.  Her  breast  fairly 
swelled  with  pride  in  anticipation. 


CHAPTER  XXI 

THE  ESPOUSAL 

NIGHT  had  come  richly  laden  with  the  per- 
fume of  many  flowers,  that  the  darkness  seemed 
to  make  more  pungent,  and  more  distinct  to  the 
ear  the  night  sounds.  There  was  no  moon,  and 
the  thick  foliage  produced  a  deep,  dark  density, 
mysterious  and  sweet.  The  grand  terraces  about 
the  castle  were  still,  save  for  the  buzz  of  summer 
insects  and  the  low,  sleepy  twittering  of  birds. 
There  was  not  a  star  to  be  seen  and  only  the 
glow-worm  lent  an  occasional  lilliputian  efful- 
gence to  the  great,  dark  world.  All  within  the 
castle  appeared  to  have  retired  earlier  than. usual ; 
perhaps  for  the  purpose  of  an  earlier  awakening, 
as  their  Graces  of  Ellswold  were  to  set  out  early 
on  the  morrow  morning,  aiming  to  make  some 
great  distance  on  their  journey  before  the  heat 
of  midday.  At  a  quarter  after  the  hour  of  ten 
Janet  had  kissed  her  mistress,  leaning  over  her 
pillow  with  even  more  affection  than  usual. 

"  Good-night,  my  Lambkin,  my  child,  my  pre- 
cious maid — good-night  and  God  bless  thee  !  " 
then  snuffed  the  candles  and  left  her. 

324 


The  Espousal  325 

Katherine  gave  no  thought  to  regret,  indeed 
she  went  so  far  as  to  smile  at  Janet's  consterna- 
tion, when  she  should  find  out  that  for  once  her 
"  Lambkin  "  had  fooled  her.  Quickly  she  leapt 
from  her  bed  and  dressed  herself  for  the  first 
time  alone.  Though  her  fingers  were  deft  and 
skillful  at  the  tapestry  frame,  and  neat  and  clever 
at  limning,  they  were  slow  and  bungling  when 
drawing  together  the  laces  of  her  girdle,  indeed 
'twas  very  insecurely  done,  and  when  she  was 
dressed  she  had  forgotten  her  stays,  and  but  for 
the  lateness  of  the  hour  would  have  disrobed  and 
donned  them.  It  seemed  like  an  endless  task  to 
try  and  dress  again  by  the  poor  light  of  the 
single  candle,  screened  by  her  best  sunshade  in 
the  far  corner  of  the  room.  She  had  donned  a 
pale,  shimmering  brocade.  About  her  neck  she 
twined  her  mother's  pearls,  and  took  up  the  opal 
shoulder  knot  of  Cedric's  mother's  and  was  about 
to  fasten  it  when  some  subtle  thought  stole  the 
desire  from  her,  and  she  laid  it  back  in  the  casket 
with  a  sigh.  Instead,  she  placed  a  bunch  of  jas- 
mine as  her  shoulder-brooch,  and  extinguishing 
the  light  went  forth  to  meet  her  husband  by  the 
sun-dial. 

She  passed  out  by  the  door  that  led  on  to  a 
small  balcony  and  a-down  the  flight  of  outside 
stairs  that  were  covered  with  vines  in  purple 
bloom.  Although  the  darkness  was  almost  im- 
penetrable, she  could  distinguish  a  form  waiting 


326  Mistress  Penwick 

at  the  foot  of  the  stair.  For  an  instant  she 
paused  and  whispered  timourously, — 

"  Who  art  thou  ?  " 

"Julian,"  came  as  softly  back,  and  a  white 
hand  was  stretched  out  to  her.  Down  she  flew, 
intrepid. 

"Would  I  send  another  to  meet  thee;  didst 
thou  think  to  turn  back,  my  Katherine  ?  " 

"Nay,  I  should  not  have  turned  back;  but 
'twas  assuring  to  hear  thy  name.  I  am  not 
afraid,  yet — yet  I  tremble." 

"And  'tis  sweet  of  thee  so  to  do ;  'tis  maidenly 
that  thou  shouldst;  'tis  the  way  of  woman. 
Thou  art  not  afraid,  yet  thou  dost  tremble ;  thou 
dost  try  to  be  brave,  yet  thou  must  be  assured, 
and  I  am  here  by  thy  side  to  assure  thee  ever," 
he  whispered  in  her  ear. 

Down  they  swept  across  the  upper  terrace. 
Slowly  they  crossed  the  greensward,  with  fairy- 
like  light  of  firefly  to  illumine  the  way ;  speaking 
as  lovers  will,  with  bated  breath.  The  wind 
blew  gently  now  and  again,  casting  a  shower  of 
petals  upon  them  as  they  passed.  When  the 
leaves  shone  white,  the  cavalier  would  say : 

"We  are  so  blessed,  nature  herself  doth 
sprinkle  the  bridal  path  with  flowers;"— or, 
when  there  fell  a  darksome  shower,  Katherine 
would  press  close  to  her  lover's  side  and  say,— 

"Indeed,  Julian,  these  are  petals  from  those 
blood-red  roses  that  have  hung  in  such  profusion 


The  Espousal  327 

all  summer.  It  may  have  some  significance.  I 
believe  I  must  return;  'tis  not  too  late  to  re- 
cede." 

Then  the  cavalier  drew  her  closer  than  before, 
and  so  tenderly  did  plead  with  her,  she  forgot 
her  fears.  So  step  by  step  they  neared  the 
thicket  where  stood  the  ancient  sun-dial  that  was 
well-nigh  hid  with  bridal  roses. 

The  Chaplain  stood  ready;  his  fragile,  pale 
countenance,  hid  by  the  darkness.  There  was 
no  faltering  now.  Katherine  did  not  think  to 
turn  back ;  that  her  heart  was  not  with  Sir 
Julian,  that  she  would  ever  regret  this  greatest 
moment  in  her  life,  but  stood  resolute. 

The  Chaplain  began  the  ceremony  at  once,  and 
so  softly  one  could  scarcely  hear  a  yard  away. 
Katherine  was  agitated  with  the  thought  that 
she  was  really  being  wedded,  and  hardly  heeded 
when  the  Chaplain  raised  or  lowered  his  voice ; 
appearing  almost  like  one  in  a  dream,  so  blinded 
was  she  with  the  glamour  of  her  new  estate. 

At  last  the  Chaplain  said  the  final  words,  pro- 
nouncing the  twain  as  one,  and  gave  his  blessing 
in  a  somewhat  stronger  voice  that  carried  in  it  a 
note  of  triumph,  and  was  about  to  step  down 
from  the  pedestal  of  the  dial  when  there  flew 
out  from  the  darkness  a  young  man  with  drawn 
sword,  who  dashed  immediately  upon  the  young 
husband.  Barely  had  the  cavalier  time  to  draw 
aside  his  wife,  and  drawing  his  sword  as  he  did 


328  Mistress   Penwick 

so,  when  his  de  trop  guest  made  a  fierce  attack 
upon  him.  The  young  husband  cried  out  as  he 
met  the  thrust, — 

"  Nay,  nay,  nay,  by  God  nay  ! "  It  appeared 
his  antagonist  was  becalmed  of  speech,  for  he  an- 
swered not  but  struggled  to  do  so.  Failing  to 
find  his  voice,  however,  he  gave  a  lunge,  which 
was  met  by  a  parry  that  made  him  mad,  and  for 
a  moment  ground  his  teeth  as  fiercely  as  he 
wielded  his  sword.  The  young  cavalier  threw 
himself  on  guard  in  carte,  which  sent  his  op- 
ponent to  giving  such  thrusts  that  quickly  be- 
trayed his  lack  of  skill  and  also  his  deadly  inten- 
tions. These  were  met  by  quick  parries.  Then 
the  mad  antagonist  made  a  sweeping  bend  and 
thrust  at  the  cavalier's  heart.  This  was  met  with 
a  disengage.  The  mad  youth,  well  spent  with 
anger  and  want  of  breath,  broke  out  pantingly,— 

"Thou  wouldst  play  the  honourable  as  thou 

playest  the  part  of  Sir  Ju "  His  last  word 

was  cut  short  by  a  quick  thrust  of  steel  that 
felled  him  to  the  sward.  Mistress  Katherine 
stood  as  if  frozen,  her  hands  held  tightly  in  those 
of  the  Chaplain,  who  whispered  that  it  might 
cost  her  husband  his  life  should  she  interfere. 
He  also  assured  her,  saying  that  the  adversary 
was  no  swordsman,  as  she  herself  soon  saw. 
Some  one  came  running  from  the  castle  at  the 
same  time  Katherine  knelt  beside  the  fallen  man. 
But  her  husband  whispered  quickly,— 


The  Espousal  329 

"Nay,  nay;  arise,  Sweet;  he  is  unworthy  thy 
solicitude.  Come  with  me.  I  gave  him  but  a 
puny  thrust.  The  Chaplain  will  look  after  him." 
He  put  his  arm  about  her  and  raised  her  up  and 
drew  her  away,  saying,  much  out  of  breath, — 
"I  must  not  be  seen,  dost  know?"  She  took 
fright,  fearing  her  lord's  danger.  Quickly  they 
traversed  the  terrace  and  reached  the  stair  lead- 
ing to  Katherine's  chamber.  As  she  laid  her 
hand  upon  the  railing,  she  said  timourously,— 

"  I  would  hear  how  serious  is  the  wound  before 
I  go  inside ! " 

"  But,  Katherine,"  he  whispered,  "  'twas  no 
more  than  the  prick  of  a  pin ;  beside,  dost  not 
thou  have  anxiety  for  thy  lover's  freedom ;  hast 
forgotten  our  lord's  temper  when  he  finds  I 
have  so  disgraced  his  house  by  fighting  'neath 
the  very  windows  ?  And  if  the  fellow  can  talk 
and  tells  of  the  marriage,  why,  I'm  undone,  and 
they  will  begin  a  search."  All  the  while  he  led 
her  further  up  the  stair,  she  unwitting,  until  they 
stood  fairly  inside  the  threshold  and  his  foot 
struck  against  some  obstacle. 

"  Sh-sh  !  "  she  enjoined,  "  Janet  is  within  yon- 
der room  and  will  hear  thee  ;  she  may  already 
be  awake  and  prying  about  to  know  what  is  astir 
upon  the  terrace  !  " 

"  Indeed,  I  think  thou  hadst  better  hide  me !  " 

"  Nay,  I  cannot ;  I  know  of  no  place.  Dost 
thou  not  know  of  a  safe  hiding  ?  " 


330  Mistress  Penwick 

"  I  am  safest  here  in  thy  chamber,  I  am  sure. 
I  know  of  no  other  place.  And  if  Janet  come — 
which  I  hardly  think  possible — thou  must  fly  to 
her  lighted  taper  and  blow  it  out,  and  tell  some 
sweet  fib, — say  the  light  pains  thine  eyes." 

"  A  ruse  holds  not  good  with  Janet.  I  cannot 
play  upon  her  wit." 

"  Then,  Sweet,  I  will  lock  the  door  and " 

"  Nay,  nay,  she  will  hear  thee,  and  will  come 
to  see  if  I  have  been  awakened." 

"  Then  I  had  best  keep  quiet  and  wait  to  see 
what  will  happen." 

"  There  is  naught  else  for  thee  to  do,  for  surely 
thou  canst  not  go  below,  thou  wouldst  be  seen, 
and " 

" and,  what,  Sweet  ?  " 

" and  be  taken  prisoner." 

"  And  wouldst  thou  be  pained,  Sweet  ?  "  He 
drew  her  close,  his  dark  curls  swept  her  face  as 
he  bent  his  head.  NOT  did  he  wait  for  an  an- 
swer, but  plied  her  with  another  question  that 
the  moment  and  the  closeness  gave  license  to. 
"Wilt  give,  Sweet,  the  nuptial  kiss — 'tis  my 
due?"  She  raised  her  head  from  his  shoulder 
ever  so  slightly  to  answer  him,  but  the  words 
came  not,  for  his  lips  were  upon  hers.  She  was 
thrilled  with  his  tenderness  ;  'twas  more  than  she 
ever  could  have  thought.  And  as  he  held  her 
close,  she,  not  unwilling,  declared  separation 
would  be  instant  death.  She  wondered  how  she 


The  Espousal  331 

ever  could  have  withstood  love  so  long.  And  he 
kissed  her  again  and  again,  saying  heaven  could 
not  offer  greater  favour.  "  Dost  feel  happy  now, 
Sweet  ?  " 

She  answered  not,  but  stood,  her  head  leant 
against  the  rare  and  scented  lace  of  his  steenkirk, 
held  captive,  trembling  with  an  ecstasy  too  sweet 
to  be  accounted  for. 

"  Thou  dost  tremble,  Kate ;  has  thy  fear  not 
left  thee  yet  ?  " 

"  Nay,"  came  soft  and  breathless  from  her  full 
red  lips.  "  I  am  still  afraid." 

"But  what  dost  thou  fear  now,  so  close 
wrapped  ?  " 

"I  know  not;  'tis  a  strange  fear.  If  thou 
shouldst  be  taken  from  me,  I  should  die ;  'tis  this 
I  fear  most  of  all,  and  even  for  a  separation — 
nay,  nay,  I  could  not  live." 

"Oh,  Sweet,  'tis  excess  of  gladness  that  thou 
art  wife — wife,  the  word  alone  fills  me  with  rap- 
turous exaltation.  Wouldst  be  glad  if  we  had 
never  met  thus,  should  separation  come  ?  " 

"  Nay,  a  thousand  times,  nay,  these  moments 
are  worth  more  than  all  my  life  heretofore." 

"  Hast  forgotten,  I  must  leave  the  castle  before 
very  long,  and  an  adieu  must  be  said  to  thee  ?  " 

"  I  have  not  forgotten,  but  'twill  only  be  for  a 
day.  'T  would  be  hazardous  for  thee  to  go  until 
everything  is  quiet  about." 

"  And  until  I  have  quieted  thy  fears ;  until  I 


332  Mistress  Penwick 

have  told  thee  of  a  strong  man's  love — my  love 
for  thy  glorious,  youthful  beauty.  Thy  hair, 
Kate,  is  more  precious  than  all  the  amber  and 
bronze  the  world  holds  ;  'tis  rich,  soft  and  heavy, 
with  glorious  waves.  Thy  face  so  filled  with 
love's  blushes  warms  my  breast  where  it  doth  lie. 
The  glory  of  thy  eyes  that  are  ever  submerging 
me  in  their  azure  depths.  Thy  slender,  white 
neck  and  graceful  sloping  shoulders.  Indeed, 
Sweet,  thou  art  wonderfully  made.  There  could 
not  be  a  more  perfect  being.  And  thou  art 
mine,  Sweet ;  'tis  a  wonder  that  rough  man  could 
be  so  blest.  Thou  dost  often  feign  coldness, 
Kate,  and  now  I  wonder  where  thou  didst  find 
such  condition.  'Twas  most  unnatural,  and  how 
thou  couldst  so  well  assume  it — but  I  have  found 
thy  true  heart.  Sweet  Kate,  thou  hast  at  last 
fallen  victim  to  Cupid's  darts,  and  fortune  hath 
played  me  fair  and  put  me  in  the  way  to  receive 
such  priceless  gift,  whose  dividends  are  to  be  all 
my  own."  His  warm  words  came  so  fast  and  he 
was  so  passionate  and  tender  that  Katherine  took 
fright  and  thought  'twas  not  like  Sir  Julian  to  be 
so,  and  yet  to  have  him  otherwise?  nay,  she 
loved  him  thus,  and  she  remembered  the  moment 
he  had  pressed  her  hand  as  they  rode  through 
the  forest ;  aye,  he  could  be  as  loving  and  tender 
as — as —  She  did  not  finish  the  thought,  for 
her  lord's  jewelled  fingers  had  caught  her  hand 
and  his  arm  held  her  close,  pressing  her  ten- 


The  Espousal 

derly ;  his  lips  resting  upon  hers  until  she  grew 
faint  with  his  ardour. 

At  last  night  paled  into  dawn.  The  cocks 
began  to  crow  lustily.  About  the  edges  of  the 
great  windows  in  the  chamber  the  light  began  to 
peep  as  if  loath  to  cast  one  disturbing  glance 
athwart  the  room.  There  was  a  fluttering  sigh 
from  the  folds  of  the  maiden's  handkerchief  as 
her  lover  bent  over  her,  saying, — 

"Adieu,  Sweet,  adieu  once  more.  Let  me  kiss 
thy  eyelids  close  until  they  pent  these  tears  that 
parting  hath  wrung  from  thee,  and  yet,  were  they 
not,  I  would  be  without  weapon,  void  of  pano- 
ply, equipped  not " 

"  But  thy  urgent  tongue  and  tenderness  doth 
armour  thee  for  conquest !  " 

"  Aye,  'tis  love's  armour ;  but  thy  tears  make 
me  strong  to  enter  strife  with  men.  I  know  'tis 
love  drives  thee,  and  when  that  love  is  for  me,  I 
can  win  all  battles." 

"  Thou  must  haste  before  dawn,  or  thou  wilt 
be  taken  ;  for  we  do  not  know  whether  the  young 
man  still  lives ;  and  Lord  Cedric  will  kill  thee  if 
he  can." 

"There  is  no  doubt  but  what  he  lives.  His 
Grace's  physicians  have  no  doubt  healed  the 
burden  of  his  pain  long  ago.  But  do  not  thou 
think  of  him,  think  only  of  this  sweet  night  and 
— dream  of  our  meeting  again.  And  if  his  lord- 
ship keeps  thee  prisoner,  tell  Janet  thou  art  fast 


334  Mistress  Penwick 

wed  and  she  will  help  thee  to  our  rendezvous  to- 
morrow. Pray,  Sweet,  that  the  day  may  be 
short,  for  now  I  see  only  cycles  of  time  until  the 
set  of  morrow's  sun." 

Dawn  broke  into  a  new  day.  Sunshine  bathed 
old  Earth  in  golden  splendour.  The  day  grew 
warm,  as  higher  and  higher  leapt  Phoebus,  until 
he  rested  high  and  hot  upon  Zenith's  bosom, 
causing  all  mankind  to  pant  by  his  excess. 

Slowly  Katherine  raised  her  lazy  eyelids  until 
the  shining  blue  beneath  lay  in  quivering  un- 
certainty. She  smiled  up  at  Janet,  saying, 
sleepily, — 

"  I've  a  notion  not  to  arise  to-day.  'Twill  be 
long  and  wearisome,  and  hot.  What  is  the  use  ? 
There  is  nothing  in  the  world  to  get  up  for ! " 

"  Indeed  there  is  a  very  great  deal  to  get  up 
for.  'Tis  a  glorious  day.  The  gardens  are 
aglow  with  beauty  and  the  air  is  fine,  though 
warm." 

"  I  know,  Janet,  and  'tis  thy  desire  that  I  arise, 
but  the  castle  seems  most  empty.  Their  Graces 
have  departed  and  — 

"  Nay,  not  so.  There  has  been  a  great  change 
in  the  Duke,  and  the  physicians  will  not  allow 
his  leaving  his  couch." 

"  Ah,  I'm  sorry  !  "What  time  did  this  change 
take  place  ?  "  said  Katherine  with  a  feeling  of 
subtleness  that  for  once  she  had  tricked  Janet 
and  knew  of  great  things  that  had  happened  in 


The  Espousal  335 

the  deep  night,  when  her  faithful  nurse  thought 
her  in  dreamland. 

"  Her  Grace  says  there  was  a  great  change  in 
him  yesterday,  that  she  noticed  it  as  he  ate  his 
dinner." 

"  And  was  there  no  change  in  the  night  ?  "  said 
Katherine  sagely. 

"  Speak  out,  Lambkin,  that  'tis  on  thy  mind — 
if  thou  dost  mean,  was  he  disturbed  when  the 
castle  was  aroused  ? — why,  no,  he  was  not." 

"But  how  didst  thou  know  there  was  an 
arousal  ?  " 

"  I  did  play  the  simpering  bride's  maid,  and 
stood  for  witness  to  thine  espousal." 

"  Ah  !  ah !  ah !  Janet,  I  can  keep  no  secret  from 
thee !  "  Quickly  she  sprang  to  the  floor.  Her 
foot  struck  her  lover's  sword.  She  stooped  and 
raised  it,  and  there  flashed  forth  from  the  jewel 
encrusted  handle  the  noble  armourial  bearings, 
charged  upon  a  gold  escutcheon,  of  Lord  Cedric's 
house.  "Wonderingly,  she  examined  it  and  swept 
her  brow  with  the  back  of  her  slender  hand. 
Slowly  she  spoke,  and  in  a  voice  vibrant  with 
portent,  her  eyes  now  wide  open. 

"  This — this  doth  trend  to  set  my  brain  a- whirl, 
and  doth  connive  to  part  sense  from  understand- 
ing and  mind  from  body.  To  be  sure,  'twas 
dark, — and  allowing  that  I  was  well-nigh  intoxi- 
cated with  love — my  brain  could  truly  swear 
'twas  Sir  Julian  ;  and  yet  this  he  flung  aside  doth 


336  Mistress  Penwick 

confute  reason,  and  I  must  either  ponder  upon 
the  this  and  that  in  endeavouring  to  conjoin 
mental  and  physical  forces  to  sweet  amity  or 
give  over  that  reaching  wife's  estate  hath  made 
of  me  a  sordid  fool,  as  hath  it  oft  made  woman 
heretofore.  My  senses  up  until  I  met  one  of  two 
at  the  foot  of  the  stair,  I  could  make  affidavit  on. 
The  mould  of  either  could  well  trick  the  other, 
providing  their  heads  were  as  muddled  as  mine, 
and  in  this  matter  I  am  also  clear.  'Twas  meet 
to  speak  lowly  and  the  voice  was  not  betrayed. 
But — there  was  some  restraint  at  first;  for  his 
words  came  slow  and  with  much  flaunting  of 
French — indeed  'twas  overdone. — And  the  duel — 
ah !  ah ! — 'twas  Cedric's  '  Nay,  nay,  nay  !  — ' 
with  an  oath  that  had  no  note  of  Sir  Julian  in 
it.  And  hard  he  strove  not  to  fight,  nor  did  he 
until  the  other  cried  out  to  him — I  see  it  all 
plainly  ;  'twas  Cedric,  'twas  Cedric !  If  I  could 
mistake  all  else,  I  could  not  mistake  his  passion ; 
'twas  :  *  Kate '  this,  and  '  Kate '  that.  Sir  Julian 
never  called  me  else  than  Katherine.  And  his 
words  were  over  plain,  and  in  truth  they  became 
not  so  slow  and  studied,  and  there  was  a  leaving 
off  of  French.  'Twas  he  !  Ah  !  and  he  was  so 
sweet  and  gentle  and  near  drowned  me  by  his 
tenderness — 'twas  such  sweet  love — "  Quickly 
she  hid  her  blushing  face  in  the  pillow,  for  she 
forgot  she  was  speaking  aloud. 

"  Hast  thou  then  married  mind  to  body  ?    If 


The  Espousal  337 

thou  hast  them  well  mated  and  art  sure  thou  art 
through  espousing,  I  will  straightway  wed  thee 
to  thy  clothes,  that  thou  mayest  first  pay  thy 
respects  to  their  Graces,  then  go  out  into  the 
sunshine  and  walk  thee  up  and  down  for  the 
half  of  an  hour,  where,  'tis  most  like  thou  wilt 
find  thy  lord,  who  is  too  impatient  to  remain  in- 
doors." 

"  Nay,  I  shall  not  see  him ! " 

"  Tut,  Lambkin !  thou  wouldst  not  play  the 
shrew  to  so  noble  a  lord,  that  soon,  no  doubt,  will 
be  a  great  Duke  ?  " 

"  He  hath  tricked  and  deceived  me.  I  will 
punish  him  for  it.  Nay ;  I  have  no  mind  to  see 
him.  I  could  not  bear  it,  Janet.  'Twas  this  he 
meant,  for  I  wondered  when  he  said  he  had 
fought  two  duels  and  had  been  victor  in  both. 
Nay ;  he  shall  not  see  me  nor  I  him."  And  with 
these  thoughts  came  others,  and  thus  she  fostered 
malice,  promoting  but  a  puny  aversion  that  she 
cherished  the  more  for  its  frailty. 

"  Art  thou  set  upon  affecting  the  manners  of 
an  orange  girl  ?  " 

"  Janet,  I  would  not  make  feint  at  that  I  am 
not." 

"  Neither  would  I,  if  'twere  me,  make  feint  at 
that  thou  art.  If  thou  hast  the  name  of  Lady,  I 
would  fit  my  demeanour  to  the  word.  And  it 
should  be  an  easy  thing,  for  thou  art  born  to  the 
manner." 


338  Mistress  Penwick 

"  But  bad  nursing  doth  corrupt  good  blood ! " 

"And  a  fro  ward  child  doth  denote  a  spared 
rod!" 

"  And  moral  suasion  is  oft  an  ethical  farce ! " 

"  A  votary  of  non-discipline  is  impregnable  to 
ethics." 

"  Oh,  Janet,  dear  Janet,  I  am  weary.  How  is 
the  young  man  that  was  wounded  ?  " 

"  The  same  as  ever ;  save  his  ardour  is  some- 
what cooled." 

"  Thou  dost  speak  as  if  thou  hadst  known  him." 

"  Indeed,  any  cock  of  the  hackle  is  essentially 
commonplace." 

"  But  he  carried  the  sword  of  a  gentleman  ?  " 

"Thou  dost  mean  he  carried  a  gentleman's 
sword." 

"  Dost  thou  know  who  he  is,  Janet  ?  " 

"  I  have  not  inquired." 

"In  other  words,  thou  didst  see  him.  And 
'twas — I  am  sure — Adrian  Cantemir." 

"  'Twas  none  other." 

"  I  will  go  down  now  and  see  their  Graces." 

"  Art  sure  thou  wilt  not  see  thy  lord  ?  " 

"  Aye,  quite  !  " 

"Then — here  this  is  for  thee."  She  handed 
her  a  dainty  billet,  scented  with  bergamot. 
Katherine  took  it  in  trembling  haste,  her  face 
rose-hued.  It  read :  "  To  My  Lady  of  Crandle- 
mar.  Greeting  to  my  sweet  wife,  Kate.  I  await 
my  reprimand  and  sword.  When  I  am  so  hon- 


The  Espousal  339 

cured,  I  shall  enlist  to  serve  thee  with  my  pres- 
ence, which,  until  then,  is  held  by  thee  in  abey- 
ance. Thou  canst  not  rob  me  of  my  thoughts, 
which  hold  naught  else  but  thee ;  nor  yet  that 
dainty  girdle  that  did  encompass  thy  fair  and 
slender  mould.  I  have  it  on  my  heart,  close 
pressed ;  but  it  doth  keep  that  it  lieth  on  in  tur- 
moil by  such  proximity.  I  know  thou  dost  love 
me,  even  though  I  tricked  thee.  Janet  was  to 
tell  thee  this  morning  who  thy  true  lord  is,  for, 
Sweet,  I  would  have  no  other  image  but  mine  in 
thy  heart,  for  soon — soon — aye,  in  a  very  short 
time — I  may  be  a  prisoner  in  the  Tower.  Do  not 
think,  Sweet,  this  is  a  ruse — but  should  I  be 
taken  where  I  might  not  see  thy  face,  'twould  be 
sweet  to  know  thou  didst  hold  my  image,  dear. 
Forgive  me,  Sweet,  and — au  revoir  f — Perhaps 
thy  heart  will  relent  before — before  the  nightin- 
gale sings. — Relent,  sweetheart,  wife."  Kate 
pressed  the  billet  to  her  lips  without  thinking, 
then  turned  her  back  quickly  to  hide  the  action ; 
but  'twas  too  late.  Janet  had  been  watching 
every  movement  and  was  satisfied. 

"  I  wish  I  had  not  opened  it ;  such  letters  are 
disturbing.  Janet,  go  below  and  find  if  I  may 
see  her  Grace  without  meeting  any  one."  When 
alone,  she  devoured  again  and  again  the  billet, 
and  as  Janet  returned,  thrust  it  quickly  within 
the  bosom  of  her  gown. 

"His  lordship  has  returned  from  the  terrace 


340  Mistress  Penwick 

and  is  in  the  picture  gallery.     Her  Grace  wishes 
to  see  thee  and  waits  breakfast." 

For  an  hour  Katherine  was  with  the  Duchess, 
who  talked  very  plainly  of  the  possible  death  of 
her  husband  and  the  duties  of  a  great  estate  and 
noble  name  that  would  fall  to  Cedric  and  his  wife 
to  keep  up.  Nor  did  she  let  the  young  wife  go 
without  telling  her  into  what  an  awful  condition 
she  might  not  only  lead  herself  but  Cedric,  when 
she  allowed  her  caprice  to  manage  her  better  self. 
It  did  her  ladyship  much  good,  and  she  sauntered 
out  upon  the  lawn  and  shyly  sought  the  sun-dial 
and  brought  from  it  a  nosegay  of  bridal-roses  and 
fled,  shamefaced,  with  them  to  her  own  chamber, 
there  to  seat  herself  by  the  open  window  to  wait 
and  watch  for  her  young  lord. 


CHAPTER  XXII 

CEDRIC    IN   THE   TOILS 

IN  the  French  colony  where  lay  the  valuable 
lands  of  Sir  John  Penwick,  there  was  a  lively 
insurrection  of  the  English.  The  Papist  party, 
who  had  built  and  lived  upon  the  property  for 
the  past  ten  years,  was  strong,  having  among  the 
Protestants  lively  adherents  who  were  Catholics 
at  heart  and  wore  the  Protestant  cloak  that  they 
might  the  better  spy  upon  them.  The  English, 
being  so  much  the  weaker,  had  been  lead  by  a 
few  men  who  were  bought  by  the  Catholics. 
La  Fosse  had  had  to  do  with  these  few  men  only, 
when  he  had  made  a  show  of  settling  Sir  John's 
affairs.  These  men  had  heretofore  held  the  secret 
of  the  hostage ;  but  recent  events  had  stirred 
them  to  strife  and  they  had  fallen  at  variance 
over  the  spoil.  The  secret  had  been  let  out. 
The  English  rose  in  arms  when  the  French  sug- 
gested that  such  a  small  colonial  matter  should 
be  settled  among  themselves ;  'twas  a  shame  to 
bother  the  Crown. 

Upon  the  sudden  outburst,  Sir  John  made  his 
escape  from  prison.  The  French  said  he  had 
been  stolen  by  the  English  and  immediate  repa- 
341 


342  Mistress  Penwick 

ration  must  be  made ;  his  person  or  a  ransom 
must  be  had.  Or,  if  they  would  give  up  all  claim 
to  the  property  and  child, — the  latter  being  pro- 
duced at  once — the  French  were  willing  to  call 
the  matter  settled.  Indeed,  this  was  all  they 
wished,  and  if  Sir  John  could  be  conveniently 
made  away  with  forever,  and  it  proven  that  the 
English  had  accomplished  it,  they  would  cer- 
tainly be  entitled  to  his  hereditaments. 

Buckingham  held  the  key  to  the  situation. 
He  saw  a  way  to  pay  a  ransom  for  Sir  John; 
also  a  way  to  gain  enough  gold  from  the  enter- 
prise to  make  himself  independent  for  life.  He 
found  Sir  John  in  London,  but  not  until  after 
Cantemir  had  gained  the  former's  confidence. 
Buckingham  took  alarm  at  Cantemir's  knowledge 
and  insisted  upon  Sir  John  removing  to  a  place 
of  greater  seclusion;  it  being  feared  that  he 
would  be  murdered. 

Sir  John  was  fond  of  the  Duke,  and  beside 
taking  his  advice,  he  laid  bare  his  heart  and  told 
him  of  his  great  distress  over  Katherine.  Can- 
temir had  said  that  she  was  being  held  dishon- 
ourably by  the  old  lord's  son,  who  was  profligate 
and  only  sought  her  favour  without  marriage. 

Buckingham  assured  him  to  the  contrary,  and 
made  him  acquainted  with  the  true  circum- 
stances ;  not  failing  to  tell  him  of  Mistress  Pen- 
wick's  unsettled  disposition ;  her  ambitions,  and 
intractable  nature ;  that  she  was  refractory  and 


Cedric  in  the  Toils  343 

vexatious ;  petulant  and  forever  thwarting  Lord 
Cedric's  advances. 

The  Duke  concluded  this  friendly  visit  by  in- 
sinuating strongly — that  Sir  John  might  infer — 
that  the  friendship  which  amounted  to  nothing 
less  than  love,  between  himself  and  Lord  Cedric, 
would  alone — barring  the  question  of  a  beautiful 
daughter — suffice  to  bring  the  latter  to  a  full  ap- 
preciation of  Sir  John's  case.  And  if  a  ransom 
was  decided  upon,  as  being  the  surest  means  for 
his  immediate  safety,  my  Lord  Cedric  would  pay 
and  not  feel  its  loss. 

"  And,"  went  on  the  Duke,  "  when  chance  or 
design  brings  thee  together,  if  thou  wouldst  not 
be  made  to  feel  utterly  unhappy,  mention  not 
the  matter  to  him.  He  is  eccentric  like  the  old 
lord,  and  would  fall  into  the  spleen,  which  con- 
dition, when  entered  into  by  his  lordship,  be- 
comes of  the  temperature  of  that  nondescript 
bourne  the  other  side  of  Paradise." 

Buckingham  knew  that  two  emissaries  were 
upon  the  seas  from  the  New  "World.  They  were 
coming  to  interest  the  King  in  behalf  of  Sir  John. 
So  far  the  Duke  had  kept  everything  from  his 
Majesty  and  must  also  keep  these  "bumpkins" 
from  tormenting  him  with  importunities  of  so 
rustic  a  nature  as  "  western  lands." 

But  the  Duke  had  made  provision, — should  his 
designs  be  curtailed  by  laches — delegating  him- 
self to  the  post  of  intercessor,  whereby  he  could 


344:  Mistress  Penwick 

fool  both  the  King  and  the  emissary.  Serious 
injury  would  be  done  to  no  one,  unless  Cedric 
might  feel  poor  for  a  short  time.  But  what  were 
the  odds ;  the  Duke  of  Ellswold  would  soon  die 
and  Cedric's  wealth  would  be  unlimited.  He 
would,  with  a  handsome  young  wife,  forget  his 
finances  ever  were  in  depletion. 

Buckingham  had  already  disposed  of  some  of 
Sir  John's  jewels  and  rare  laces,  brought  over  by 
La  Fosse  and  stored  in  the  chest  at  the  monastery. 
There  was,  however,  in  the  great  Duke  a  vein  of 
compunction,  and  for  its  easement  he  had  re- 
frained from  selling  some  rare  and  costly  minia- 
tures belonging  to  Sir  John's  wife,  evidently 
handed  down  through  a  long  line  of  consan- 
guinity. These  he  resolved  in  some  way  to  re- 
turn ;  perhaps  he  should  find  it  convenient  to 
present  them  to  Mistress  Penwick. 

And  so  the  thick,  fierce  clouds  rolled  up  and 
gathered  themselves  together,  hanging  low,  over 
the  head  of  handsome,  careless,  rich,  young  Lord 
Cedric. 

The  village  of  Crandlemar  was  indignant  that 
he  had  allowed  to  exist  for  so  long  a  time  the 
privilege  of  the  monastery.  And  these  excep- 
tions, with  a  hint  of  some  foul  murder  committed 
at  the  castle,  reached  the  nobles  roundabout 
and  stirred  up  a  general  demur:  Beside,  it  was 
whispered  in  the  shire-moot  that  the  woman 
about  to  be  espoused  by  him  was  a  rank  Papist 


Cedric  in  the  Toils  345 

and  had  already  placed  popish  pictures  about  the 
Chapel  that  was  contiguous  to  the  castle.  This 
was  all  that  possibly  could  be  said  against  her, 
as  she  was  known  to  be  most  gracious  to  the  poor 
Protestants  in  and  about  Crandlemar ;  giving 
equally  to  both  factions  with  a  lavish  hand.  But 
these  matters  were  all  brought  up  to  militate 
against  his  lordship. 

Lord  Cedric  was  already  feeling  the  first 
thrusts  of  his  enemy,  Misfortune ;  for  'twas  very 
evident  that  his  Grace  of  Ellswold  was  near  his 
death.  Warming-pans  were  of  no  avail.  He 
grew  very  cold ;  his  extremities  were  as  ice ; 
while  the  attendants  of  his  bed-chamber  were  as 
red  as  cooked  lobsters  from  the  natural  heat  of 
the  midsummer's  day  and  the  steaming  flannels 
that  were  brought  in  at  short  intervals. 

Her  Grace  walked  back  and  forth  outside  his 
door  continually,  Lord  Cedric  joining  her  at  times. 

The  Castle  seemed  inured  to  quiet  by  his 
Grace's  long  illness ;  but  now  there  fell  a  subtle 
silence  that  presaged  the  coming  of  an  unwhole- 
some visitant.  In  a  room  apart  lay  Adrian  Can- 
temir,  weak  and  sick,  but  cursing  every  breath  he 
drew;  excited  at  times  to  actual  madness,  and 
saying, —  Why  had  he  come  a  minute  too  late  ? 
Why  had  he  not  followed  his  own  inclinations 
and  broken  away  from  the  gambling  table  at  the 
inn  an  hour  earlier  ?  such  thoughts  making  him 
absolutely  furious. 


346  Mistress  Penwick 

He  had  arrived  some  time  after  dark  at  Cran- 
dlemar  village,  and,  putting  up  at  the  hostelry, 
he  resolved  to  pay  his  visit  to  the  castle  early  on 
the  morrow.  He  was  now  beginning  to  feel  that 
he  was  destined  to  gain  his  point,  or  why  had  he 
so  far  thwarted  Lord  Cedric,  and  why  had  he  es- 
caped the  anger  of  the  monks  by  a  well  worded 
and  quickly  manufactured  tale,  and  even  gained 
their  help  by  it,  when  they  found  him  bound  in 
the  passage,  left  so  by  Buckingham.  So  he  had 
felt  somewhat  at  ease,  but  love  and  ambition 
were  strong  and  stirred  him  to  leave  wine  and 
cards  and  ride  out  into  the  open ;  and,  unwitting 
it  may  be,  to  the  castle  gates.  He  travelled 
without  groom  ;  so  fastening  his  horse,  he  entered 
the  avenue  a-foot,  soon  reaching  the  dark  pile  of 
stone  which  appeared  in  absolute  darkness.  Aim- 
lessly he  left  the  avenue  and  sauntered  across  the 
terraces.  He  had  heard  a  peculiar  low  murmur- 
ing of  voices  and  drew  near  only  to  hear  Kath- 
erine  made  the  wife  of  another  man  ;  hardly  un- 
derstanding until  the  Chaplain  gave  the  blessing. 
He  knew  what  Katherine  did  not ;  that  she  was 
the  wife  of  Lord  Cedric  and  not  Sir  Julian.  He 
flung  himself  with  all  his  fury  upon  the  bride- 
groom to  no  avail,  as  has  been  seen. 

These  inflammable  thoughts,  as  Cantemir  re- 
hearsed them  over  and  over,  set  his  brain  afire 
and  before  night  he  was  in  a  fever.  The  kind 
and  gentle  Lady  Bettie  Payne,  who  had  arrived 


Cedric  in  the  Toils  347 

late  in  the  afternoon,  had  gathered  nosegays  and 
made  bright  his  chamber,  for  she  truly  had  com- 
passion upon  him.  He  called  her  Katherine,  as 
she  gave  him  cooling  draughts  with  her  own  hand. 

Lord  Cedric  was  somewhat  surprised  the  next 
evening  to  that  of  his  wedding  to  see  the  Duke 
of  Buckingham  standing  in  the  great  hall  of  the 
castle.  And  when  the  Duke's  business  was 
thrust  upon  him,  there  came  also  dark  forebod- 
ings ;  a  separation  of  indefinite  length  from  his 
young  wife,  should  he  be  taken  to  the  Tower. 
Great  was  his  surprise  at  the  Duke's  first  words, 
for  they  were  that  Katherine's  father  was  alive 
and  well  and  in  London.  He  gave  quickly  the 
whole  story  of  Sir  John's  escape,  also  the  at- 
tempt to  recapture  him.  Then  came  what  his 
Lordship  expected  ; — a  request  for  a  fortune.  Of 
course,  while  Cedric  thought  the  amounts  asked 
would  not  be  wholly  a  loss,  yet  he  knew  the 
amounts  allowed  of  a  great  margin  of  perqui- 
sites, and  to  whom  these  perquisites  would  go,  he 
could  guess.  However,  without  question  or  com- 
plaint, he  agreed  to  give  what  the  Duke  asked 
for ;  indeed  the  matters  were  settled  there  and 
then. 

"  If  Sir  John's  life  is  in  danger,  I  know  of  no 
better  place  of  safety  than  here.  He  had  better 
come  with  all  haste — 'twould  be  my  wife's  de- 
sire ! " 

"  Wife,  so  soon  ?  "     And  the  great  Duke  raised 


348  Mistress  Penwick 

his  eyebrows — a  small  action,  but  with  him  it 
had  a  world  of  meaning  in  it.  "  I  congratulate 
thee,  my  lord,  but — if  her  ladyship  knew  the 
danger  that  would  beset  her  father  upon  such  a 
journey,  I  feel  sure  she  would  wait  patiently  a 
time  that  must  of  necessity  be  of  some  length. 
I  beg  my  lord  not  to  think  of  bringing  Sir  John 
hither.  As  I  hinted  before,  if  this  matter  is 
brought  out  and  he  is  proven  guiltless  of  those 
little  matters  hinted  of,  then  he  could  meet  her 
without  this  heaviness  that  so  weights  him.  I 
am  sure  if  such  a  thought  as  meeting  his  daugh- 
ter were  mentioned,  he  would  heartily  beg  for  its 
postponement  and — especially  now  that  she  is  my 
Lady  of  Crandlemar."  It  stood  Buckingham 
much  in  hand  to  keep  Sir  John  and  Lord  Cedric 
from  meeting,  for  he  had,  not  only  told  truth,  but 
had  heartlessly  impugned  the  former's  character 
to  line  his  own  pocket  with  the  latter's  wealth. 
The  truth  of  the  matter  was  that  he  was  tight 
caught  in  a  network  of  financial  and  political  in- 
trigue, and  this  was  the  only  means  to  disen- 
tangle himself. 

After  this  first  business  was  settled,  a  second 
affair  was  introduced  and  the  Duke  spoke  of  his 
lordship's  matters  at  Court.  He  said  : 

"  The  King  is  hard  pressed  by  the  nobles — or  a 
portion  of  them.  They  insisted  that  thou  wert 
aiding  the  Catholics  in  such  a  manner  that  the 
lives  of  Protestants  in  this  vicinity  were  in 


Cedric  in  the  Toils  349 

danger.  They  even  whisper  that  a  plot  is  being 
formulated  to  murder  Monmouth.  The  King 
felt  it  incumbent  to  send  for  thee,  and  as  the 
courier  was  about  to  start  forth,  he  received 
word  that  the  messenger  he  had  sent  in  pursuit 
of  my  Lady  of  Candlemar  had  been  foully  dealt 
with  by  no  other  hand  than  thine.  This  stirred 
the  King  into  a  frenzy  and  straightway  he 
charged  thee  with  treason  and — one  comes  now 
to  take  thee  to  the  Tower  or  wherever  it  pleases 
his  Majesty  to  put  thee.  Indeed,  he  may  have 
so  far  forgiven  thee  by  the  time  thou  dost  see 
London,  he  will  offer  thee  half  his  bed  or — any 
unusual  favour.  So  take  heart.  The  King  loves 
thee."  The  illness  of  Ells  wold  precluded  the 
Duke  from  paying  any  visits  within  the  castle, 
and  he  hastened  back  to  London. 

Lord  Cedric  felt  if  he  could  only  tell  Kather- 
ine  that  her  father  was  well  and  in  London,  it 
might  bring  a  reconciliation,  and  his  eyes  wan- 
dered to  the  hour-glass,  and  as  he  noted  the 
golden  sands,  he  thought  there  was  yet  time  for 
a  lover's  quarrel  and  then  a  sweet  making-up, 
which  should  have  no  limit  of  time ;  but,  alas  ! 
such  blissful  moments  would  doubtless  be  cut 
short  by  the  arrival  of  the  King's  messenger. 
All  of  a  sudden  a  wicked  thought  came,  as  he 
remembered  how  but  a  few  moments  before  she 
had  turned  coldly  from  him  as  he  met  her  in  the 
gallery,  and  he  resolved  'twould  be  a  good  time 


350  Mistress  Pen  wick 

to  make  her  feel  a  little  of  how  he  had  suffered. 
Separation  from  her  was  all  he  feared  now,  and 
she  could  not  help  that.  She  was  fast  tied  to 
him,  and  he  was  satisfied ;  and  now  why  not 
torment  some  of  those  Satanic  whims  out  of  her. 
"  Aye,  'tis  the  thing  to  do  !  "  Even  as  he  thought 
of  her,  she  had  gone  with  Janet  and  Lady  Bettie 
to  Cantemir's  chamber,  for  the  latter  in  a  lucid 
moment  begged  Lady  Bettie  to  bring  her  to  him. 
He  gave  her  the  letter  he  bore  from  her  father, 
requesting  her  to  come  to  him  at  once.  She  was 
quite  beside  herself  with  joy ;  yet,  such  is  human 
nature,  she  on  a  sudden  was  in  no  hurry  to  leave 
Lord  Cedric.  Then  she  thought  he  might  go 
with  her — but  she  never  would  ask  him.  So 
after  much  thinking  and  feverish  deliberation, 
she  sent  the  letter  to  him  by  Janet.  Cedric 
compared  the  handwriting  with  the  letter  he 
still  carried  of  Sir  John's.  There  was  no  doubt 
that  the  chirography  was  the  same.  He  was 
again  thwarted  by  the  Kussian.  He  was  to  gain 
his  wife's  ear  by  this  very  news.  But  there  were 
other  ways,  and  he  said, — 

"  I  have  but  a  few  moments  to  spend  with  her 
ladyship ;  go  to  her  and  tell  her  so ;  say  that  a 
courier  is  now  upon  the  highway  and — will  soon 
arrive  to  conduct  me  to  Tyburn-tree  by  order  of 
the  King " 

"  Good  heavens,  surely  your  Lordship  is  not 
serious ! " 


Cedric  in  the  Toils  351 

"  I  have  been  forewarned,  Janet.  Go,  tell  her 
the  news.  Do  not  mince  the  sorry  tale.  Let 
her  have  the  weight  of  it — if  weight  it  be  for  her 
pent  affection.  Indeed,  make  it  strong,  blandish 
it  with  no  '  ifs '  or  'mayhaps '  or  '  possible  chances 
of  a  change  of  mind  with  the  King.'  Thou  must 
make  up  quickly  a  whole  catalogue  of  the  horrors 
enacted  at  Tyburn.  Go,  go,  hasten  thyself,  good 
nurse.  I  will  wait  for  her  here." 

Hardly  had  Janet  disappeared  when  the  door 
again  was  thrown  open  and  the  footman  an- 
nounced a  gentleman  upon  the  King's  errand. 
'Twas  indeed  his  Majesty's  guardsman  with  his 
order,  and  Cedric  listened  with  flushed  face  and 
beating  heart,  not  to  what  he  said,  but  for  the 
sound  of  a  silken  rustle  upon  the  great  hall 
parquetry ;  and  as  he  heard  it,  he  raised  his 
voice  and  said  sternly  to  the  courier, — 

"  And  this  means  Tyburn-tree — a  farewell  for- 
ever to  my  friends —  There  was  at  these  last 
words  a  suspicious  trembling  in  his  tones  that 
was  not  wholly  natural, — "  an  adieu  to  all  this 
world  that  begun  for  me  only — yesterday  at  the 
singing  of  the  nightingale — "  the  sentence  was 
left  unfinished,  for  Katherine  now  fell  at  his  feet 
and  embraced  his  knees  and  said  with  blanched 
lips,— 

"  What  is  this  horrible  tale,  my  lord  ?  Say 
'tis  not  so ! "  Great  unbroken  sobs  made  her 
voice  tremble,  and  there  was  such  extreme 


352  Mistress   Penwick 

misery  in  her  face  and  attitude  the  guardsman 
was  about  to  utter  a  protest,  for  the  order  had 
said  nothing  of  Tyburn,  and  at  such  unwarranted 
display  of  grief  at  a  summons — why  he  would 
put  a  stop  to  it ;  but  his  lordship  put  up  his 
hand.  "  Say  'tis  not  so,"  she  repeated. 

"  Nay,  I  cannot  say  it,  for  I  know  not  what 
lies  before  me."  Katherine  was  unable  to  con- 
trol her  grief,  and  as  it  broke  out,  the  guardsman 
discreetly  walked  to  the  farther  end  of  the  room. 
Cedric  had  raised  her  from  the  floor  and  half- 
supported  her  as  she  poured  out  her  grief  in 
words  of  pleading  and  entreaty  ;  but  Cedric  was 
as  adamant,  he  would  not  bend  to  offer  any  hope. 
This  unbending  quality  she  could  not  understand, 
and  took  it  as  an  omen  of  ill.  In  very  truth  she 
felt  she  was  to  lose  for  all  time  her  heart's 
idol.  And  when  Cedric  spoke  to  the  guard  and 
told  him  he  was  ready  to  go,  she  cried  "  Nay, 
nay,  nay ! "  in  such  awful  agony  he  came  near 
relenting.  She  turned  white  and  would  have 
fallen,  had  not  Cedric  supported  her.  Janet 
had  already  entered  the  room  and  now  came 
running  to  her  mistress,  whom  she  took  in 
her  arms.  Cedric  turned  to  the  guardsman, 
saying,— 

"  My  wife  is  ill.  If  thou  wilt  return  to  London, 
I  will  follow  within  a  day  or  so ! " 

"  In  the  name  of  the  King  I  beg  my  Lord  of 
Crandlemar " 


Cedric  in  the  Toils  353 

Janet  broke  in  at  this  and  said  with  a  ringing 
voice, — 

"  Thy  order  is  for  the  Lord  of  Crandlemar  ?  " 

"  It  is,  madam." 

"Then  I  will  tell  thee,  sir,  Lord  Cedric  of 
Crandlemar  is  not  here.  This  is  the  Duke  of 
Ellswold."  She  turned  to  his  lordship  as  she 
spoke  and  saw  his  face  grow  white.  He  loved 
his  uncle  tenderly.  There  was  a  moment  of 
palpable  silence ;  the  guardsman  bowed  to  the 
floor,  and  the  long  plumes  of  his  hat  swept  it  in 
homage,  as  he  raised  his  hand  to  his  breast. 
Katherine  had  swooned  and  did  not  hear  Janet's 
assertion,  nor  did  she  hear  the  King's  other  order 
for  the  Duke  of  Ellswold.  The  King  was  aroused 
and  would  allow  of  no  mischance.  Cedric  must 
go  before  his  Majesty  at  once. 

After  a  few  moments  in  the  death  chamber, 
Cedric  started  for  London.  Before  they  had 
reached  the  confines  of  the  city,  however,  the 
news  of  the  old  Duke's  demise  had  reached  the 
King,  who  was  in  high  humour,  and  the  result 
was,  a  courier  had  been  sent  to  tell  Cedric  to 
return  to  his  castle  until  after  the  funeral.  So 
Cedric,  accompanied  by  the  King's  guard,  rode 
on  to  the  Seat  of  the  Dukes  of  Ellswold,  where 
in  the  old  Abbey  there  was  much  pomp  in  the  put- 
ting away  of  the  late  Duke. 

It  was  a  great  disappointment  to  Cedric  not  to 
see  Katherine,  and  he  was  grieved  to  learn  she 


354:  Mistress   Penvvick 

had  not,  after  so  many  days,  entirely  recovered 
from  her  swoon.  He  was  consoled,  however,  by 
his  aunt's  assertion  that  her  illness  was  not  serious. 
He  turned  from  Ells  wold  and  hastened  back 
London  way,  impatient  to  know  why  he  was 
sent  for,  and  to  have  matters  settled  satisfactorily 
for  all  time,  that  he  might  with  an  unburdened 
heart  go  to  Crandlemar  and  claim  his  Duchess ; 
who,  he  now  knew,  would  be  the  sweet  and  lov- 
ing wife  she  should.  He  was  truly  sad  at  the 
loss  of  his  uncle,  and  for  this  cause  alone  he  rode 
into  London  with  downcast  appearance.  He 
feared  not  the  evils  of  the  Tower  or  Tyburn-tree 
or  the  menace  of  either  Catholic  or  Protestant 
party ;  neither  the  importunities  of  Buckingham ; 
had  he  not  now  a  great  fortune  ? — ah  !  but  death 
had  brought  it  him, — and  the  bitter  was  mixed 
with  the  sweet.  There  were  other  matters  to 
menace  his  peace  of  mind  that  had  not  come 
until  that  very  moment.  What  if  the  Crown 
should  confiscate  his  property ;  what  was  he  to 
do  with  his  wife  ?  There  was  his  aunt,  Sir 
Julian  and  Lady  Bettie  Payne,  they  would  care 
for  her.  Then  his  thoughts  wandered  to  Con- 
stance, and  for  a  while  he  half  believed  he  had 
forgiven  her.  Then  he  wondered  if  she  had 
aught  to  do  with  his  present  condition. 

The   King   in   the   meantime  was   not  to  be 
duped  by  Lady  Constance.     She  prided  herself 


Cedric  in  the  Toils  355 

upon  being  discreet,  but  she  was  not  enough  so 
for  the  King's  sharp  eyes. 

"  Odd's  fish,"  said  he,  "the  boy  is  a  woman  !  " 
And  though  he  had  a  saturnine  and  harsh  coun- 
tenance, his  disposition  was  both  merry  and 
lenient.  He  teased  her  unmercifully,  threaten- 
ing to  promote  so  fine  a  lad  to  a  gentleman  of 
his  bed-chamber.  He  bade  a  woman  bring  some 
clothing  suitable  for  a  female  and  gave  the  lady 
into  the  hands  of  female  attendants. 

The  easy  manner  of  the  time  gave  the  courtiers 
license  to  taunt  her.  This  made  her  very  un- 
comfortable. The  queen's  ladies'  eyes  were  upon 
her.  The  King's  mistresses,  not  recognizing  her  as 
a  rival,  poked  fun  at  her  from  behind  their  fans. 
But  Lady  Constance  would  bear  a  great  deal  for 
the  sake  of  gaining  her  point.  She  had  posted 
herself  upon  the  King's  affairs  with  the  Duke  of 
Ellswold,  and  was  in  a  state  of  great  expectation 
when  she  heard  that  the  latter  was  to  be  brought 
to  the  Toxver  immediately  after  his  uncle's  funeral. 
His  entire  demesne  was  out  of  his  hands,  he  was 
sadly  impoverished  ;  this  she  bought  from  Buck- 
ingham's menials.  It  greatly  delighted  her,  for 
she  had  more  wealth  than  she  knew  what  to 
do  with,  and  Cedric,  seeing  her  so  pampered  by 
his  Majesty,  would  surely  begin  to  see  what  a 
great  lady  she  was,  and  perhaps  would  offer  her 
some  attention.  She  did  not  know  that  Kather- 
ine  was  already  the  Duchess  of  Ellswold.  She 


356  Mistress  Penwick 

heard  from  Monmouth  that  Mistress  Penwick 
was  to  be  brought  to  the  palace  at  the  same  time 
Cedric  was  brought  to  London,  and  that  'twas 
not  altogether  sure  whether  his  Grace  of  Ells- 
wold  would  be  taken  to  the  Tower  or  be  made  a 
Royal  guest,  as  the  King  was  first  cursing,  then 
praising  the  new  Duke.  So  Constance  began  to 
picture  Cedric  standing  before  her,  his  face 
flushed  as  she  remembered  it  to  be,  his  eyelids 
that  he  knew  so  well  how  to  lower,  then  raise 
ever  so  slightly,  sending  forth  from  beneath  an 
amorous  glance  that  made  her  tremble  with  a 
sweet  thrill  of  pleasure.  Thus  she  lived  from 
hour  to  hour,  waiting  for  his  Grace,  little  guess- 
ing the  awful  disappointment  that  awaited  her. 
She  fairly  counted  the  moments. 

To  her  great  joy  she  saw  him  again.  He  was 
brought  to  the  palace,  instead  of  to  the  Tower. 
When  the  King  saw  the  Duke,  he  forgot,  or 
appeared  to  forget,  that  the  Duke  was  a  prisoner, 
and  openly  embraced  him  and  had  him  placed 
near  his  own  apartments.  His  Majesty  was  in 
high  good  humour,  hearing  from  the  Duke's  own 
lips  that  he  had  nothing  to  do  with  the  hiding 
away  of  his  messenger,  and  explaining  sundry 
other  matters  to  his  satisfaction.  "  The  Duch- 
ess," for  so  the  Duke  spoke  of  Katherine  for  the 
first  time  before  his  Majesty,  was  unable  to  arise 
from  her  couch,  and  therefore  could  not  as  yet 
be  brought  to  the  palace.  The  King  said  he  was 


Cedric  in  the  Toils  357 

pleased  that  so  noble  a  Duke  had  gained  his 
point,  even  though  he  had  outwitted  his  King. 

"  Odd's  fish,  and  to  be  separated  so  soon !  it 
must  not  be  !  " 

Lady  Constance  was  joyous  when  she  saw 
Cedric  arrive  without  Katherine,  but  at  once  it 
made  her  very  curious  to  know  why  the  "  wench 
was  left  behind;  for  was  it  not  the  King's 
order  ?  "  She  sent  a  maid  to  inquire  among  the 
servants  of  the  Duke.  When  the  maid  returned 
and  told  her  that  Katherine  was  the  Duke's  wife, 
she  fainted  away.  But  after  a  few  hours  of 
awful  depression  and  heart-sickness  she  again 
nerved  herself  to  battle  harder,  if  possible,  than 
heretofore. 

The  Duke's  trial  was  begun,  and  nothing  it 
seemed  could  be  absolutely  proven  against  him. 
It  appeared  the  King  shut  his  eyes  and  ears  to 
anything  that  would  incline  against  his  Grace. 
Not  so  Constance,  who  worked  secretly.  She 
was  determined,  if  possible,  to  see  him  go  to  the 
Tower,  as  the  only  immediate  means  of  separat- 
ing him  from  his  wife,  Avho  was  expected  any 
week  at  the  Koyal  abode.  She  informed  some 
of  the  nobles  that  were  against  him  that  their 
principal  witness,  Adrian  Cantemir,  lay  ill  from 
a  sword  thrust  at  Crandlemar  Castle.  To  be 
sure,  they  had  almost  forgotten  the  young  man, 
who  had  been  such  a  leader  in  the  beginning. 
This  held  the  case  in  suspension  and  the  Duke 


358  Mistress  Penwick 

still  a  prisoner ;  but  the  King  gave  him  no  time 
for  thought ;  they  rode,  walked,  drank,  theatred 
and  supped  together.  If  'twere  not  for  the 
Duke's  love  for  his  wife,  and  his  mourning  for 
his  uncle,  which  cast  so  deep  a  shadow  over  his 
natural  gaiety,  'twas  possible  he  might  have  been 
drawn  by  his  Majesty  into  intrigues  of  a  femi- 
nine character. 

Constance  was  ever  throwing  herself  in  his 
path,  but  he  deigned  not  a  glance  her  way.  She 
appeared  content  to  watch  him,  whether  he  paid 
her  any  attention  or  not.  She  was  careful  to 
learn  of  his  fortunes,  as  the  King  to  appease  the 
Protestant  nobles  had  confiscated  the  Ells  wold 
estates  and  everything  else  that  Buckingham  had 
not  taken.  But  this  sort  of  thing  was  a  matter 
of  form  with  his  Majesty.  His  mind  was  fully 
made  up.  He  was  not  to  be  frighted  or  cajoled. 
He  even  went  so  far  as  to  assure  the  Duke  that 
as  soon  as  his  character  was  proven,  giving  the 
nobles  no  chance  to  gainsay,  he  should  at  once 
take  possession  of  his  estate.  The  Duke,  how- 
ever, had  only  his  jewels  to  borrow  on,  and  that 
was  insufferable  to  his  pride.  He  had  a  large  ret- 
inue to  support,  servants  that  were  aged ;  these 
he  must  look  after.  Thus  matters  stood  for 
weeks  and  months. 

Cantemir  was  at  last  able  to  be  moved,  and 
was  brought  to  London,  where  he  again  tried  to 
communicate  with  Sir  John  Penwiek,  but 


Cedric  in  the  Toils  359 

ingham  intercepted  all  letters.  There  also  came 
word  from  the  new  Lord  of  Crandlemar,  that  he 
was  about  to  take  up  his  abode  in  England. 
This  made  Ellswold  uneasy  and  impatient ;  for  he 
had  not  money  sufficient  to  place  his  Duchess  in 
his  town  house,  had  he  been  at  liberty  to  do  so, 
for  the  great  place  had  not  been  kept  in  repair 
and  it  must  be  renovated  according  to  her  own 
ideas.  If  his  trial  could  only  be  at  once  and  he 
could  go  for  her  and  take  her  to  Ellswold  !  The 
King  saw  his  unusual  depression  and  gained 
from  him  a  confession  of  his  troubles,  and  with- 
out letting  the  Duke  know,  sent  for  the  Duchess, 
who  he  said  should  remain  at  the  palace  until 
the  Duke  should  be  free  to  go.  When  his  Maj- 
esty told  the  Duke — for  he  could  not  keep  the 
secret — the  latter  was  grateful  and  felt  it  was 
the  only  alternative,  and  was  much  comforted 
that  soon  he  should  see  and  be  with  his  Duchess, 
who,  he  had  learned  had  regained  her  colour  and 
was  in  good  spirit. 

"  The  King,  not  caring  for  the  pomp  and  state 
his  predecessors  had  assumed,  was  fond  of  exil- 
ing the  formality  practiced  by  a  sovereign  and 
taking  on  the  easy  manners  of  a  companion, 
lie  had  lived,  when  in  exile,  upon  a  footing  of 
equality  with  his  banished  nobles,  and  had  par- 
taken freely  and  promiscuously  in  the  pleasures 
and  frolics  by  which  they  had  endeavoured  to 
sweeten  adversity.  He  was  led  in  this  way  tq 


360  Mistress  Penwick 

let  distinction  and  ceremony  fall  to  the  ground 
as  useless  and  foppish,  and  could  not  even  on 
premeditation,  it  is  said,  act  for  a  moment  the 
part  of  a  King  either  at  parliament  or  council, 
either  in  words  or  gesture.  When  he  attended 
the  House  of  Lords,  he  would  descend  from  the 
throne  and  stand  by  the  fire,  drawing  a  crowd 
about  him  that  broke  up  all  regularity  and  order 
of  the  place."  In  this  free  and  unrestrained  way 
he  had  put  his  arm  through  the  Duke's  and  said 
confidently,— 

"  The  House  of  Ellswold  shall  be  honoured  in 
an  unusual  way ;  that  at  least  should  be  a  great 
comfort  to  thee ;  but  I  promise,  no  matter  how 
the  Council  act  in  these  matters  of  thine,  thou 
shalt  soon  enjoy  the  comfort  of  thy  new  estate 
at  Ellswold," 


CHAPTEK  XXIII 

THE   COCOANUTS   OF  THE   KING'S   CELLAR 

MATTERS  at  Crandlemar  were  comparatively 
quiet.  There  was  nothing  unusual,  unless  indeed 
it  was  the  assiduousness  of  the  young  Duchess, 
who  from  morning  until  night  ceased  not  to  offer 
hecatombs  for  the  safety  and  freedom  of  her 
lord.  She  prayed,  fasted  and  sacrificed  for  her 
every  desire.  She  gave  alms,  offering  condolence 
and  sympathy.  In  her  petitions  she  threw  aside 
all  contumely,  calling  the  poorest,  sister.  She 
allowed  not  her  thoughts  to  go  astray,  striving 
continually  for  a  pure  and  meek  heart,  begging 
forgiveness  for  her  untowardness  toward  her 
husband.  Perhaps  one  of  the  most  remarkable 
of  her  acts  was  the  one  performed  at  twilight — 
discovered  by  Janet,  the  wise. 

The  nurse  went  to  seek  her  one  evening,  and 
found  the  young  woman  in  a  dense  cloud  of  blue 
that  emanated  from  a  costly  thurible,  which  she 
was  swinging  before  the  crucifix  in  the  Chapel. 
Ascending  with  the  sweet  incense  was  a  psalm  of 
contrition  uttered  from  a  truly  penitent  heart. 
A  tall  candle  burned,  lighting  up  the  white-robed 
figure,  and  the  filmy  incense  that  enveloped  it  to 

361 


362  Mistress  Penwick 

a  saintly  vision.  Though  Janet  watched  her 
mistress  thus  environed  with  sacredness,  yet  the 
deep  impression  was  somewhat  charged  with  a 
sense  of  humour ;  "  for,"  she  opined  to  herself, 
"  people  are  so  much  more  ridiculous  in  mending 
a  breach  than  they  are  in  making  it ! "  But 
Janet  was  not  a  Catholic,  and  beside,  she  made 
few  mistakes  and  could  condone  an  offence  only 
when  made  by  one  she  loved.  Knowing  Kath- 
erine  as  she  did,  she  admired  the  outward  show 
more  than  the  spirit,  and  thought  of  the  two  the 
former  was  more  stable.  Katherine  often  prayed 
aloud,  and  Janet  hearing  her,  caught  the  burden 
of  her  prayer,  and  there  was  actual  pain  in  her 
voice  when  she  cried  out  that  Cedric  might  be 
forgiven  for  the  murder  of  Christopher.  Now 
Janet  knew  that  the  lad  had  only  been  slightly 
injured  by  Hiary  and  had  fully  recovered,  and 
she  determined  to  send  for  him,  and  at  the  Vesper 
service  introduce  him  into  the  Chapel  and  thereby 
cause  to  cease  her  mistress'  plaints.  And  so  it 
came  about  in  the  late  autumn,  when  Crandle- 
mar  was  about  to  receive  its  new  master  from 
Wales,  and  the  plate  and  all  belongings  of  the 
Duke  had  been  sent  to  Ellswold,  and  Katherine 
herself  was  to  set  forth  for  London  within  a  few 
days,  she  entered  the  Chapel  for  her  customary 
devotions.  As  she  prayed,  she  was  aroused  by 
the  opening  of  the  outer  door.  She  looked  up 
and  saw  Christopher  before  her.  Janet  was  sur- 


The  Cocoanuts  of  the  King's  Cellar     363 

prised  at  her  calmness  and  was  amazed  when 
Katherine  said  to  him  that  she  had  been  expect- 
ing to  see  him  all  day,  as  she  had  heard  the  even- 
ing before  that  he  was  alive  and  had  been  seen 
near  the  castle  grounds.  Now  it  was  impossible 
to  make  Katherine  think  it  was  a  direct  answer 
to  prayer,  though  Janet  did  her  best.  But  as  it 
proved,  a  great  weight  had  fallen  from  the  Duch- 
ess' heart,  for  she  became  perfectly  joyous  and 
positively  neglected  her  devotions  in  the  Chapel. 
She  was  delighted  to  set  forth,  for  the  moment 
had  actually  arrived,  and  within  a  few  days  she 
would  see  Cedric,  and,  she  hoped,  her  father  also ; 
but  the  latter's  abode  was  unknown  to  her,  save 
only  that  'twas  in  London. 

The  night  of  her  arrival  at  the  Royal  Palace 
had  closed  down  dark  and  stormy.  The  King 
and  Queen,  with  the  ladies  and  gentlemen  of  the 
Court,  had  repaired  to  the  Duke  of  York's  theatre 
to  see  played  the  "  Black  Prince,"  written  by  the 
Earl  of  Orrery.  The  King  had  insisted  upon  the 
Duke  of  Ellswold  accompanying  them,  but  the 
latter  declared  the  play  would  be  a  torture,  when 
he  should  be  thinking  that  perhaps  his  wife  might 
arrive  in  his  absence.  Other  thoughts  also  as- 
sailed him,  of  which  he  hinted  not  to  the  King  ; 
but  he  was  confident  Constance  meant  mischief, 
and  he  was  unwilling  to  give  her  any  chance  to 
put  the  weight  of  her  anger  on  the  Duchess. 

The  great  cream-hue^  chariot  bearing  Kather- 


364  Mistress  Penwick 

ine  rolled  past  the  Mall  and  up  to  the  palace. 
The  sleet  was  falling  rapidly  and  the  wind  blow- 
ing such  a  gale  the  sound  of  the  coach  was  not 
heard  by  the  Duke,  as  he  paced  his  chamber. 
She  was  trembling  and  eager,  and  heard  not  the 
admonitions  of  Janet  and  Angel  to  mind  the  ice- 
clad  step  that  was  let  down.  She  was  expectant 
and  eager  to  see  her  spouse ;  but  she  stood  within 
her  apartment  and  Janet  was  loosening  her  capes 
when  the  Duke  came  bounding  to  her  side.  He 
took  her  in  his  arms  and  gazed  and  gazed,  and 
they  minded  not  the  presence  of  the  two  nurses, 
who  on  a  sudden  became  busy  unpacking  her 
Grace's  chests.  He  kissed  her  until  her  face  was 
rose-red,  and  she  was  drunken  with  love. 

When  Lady  Constance  heard  that  Katherine 
had  arrived,  she  became  very  impatient  to  catch 
one  glimpse  of  her.  She  had  heard  many  things 
about  the  young  wife,  and  she  had  her  suspicions 
and  upon  them  she  formed  a  plan  to  throw  a 
taunt  upon  her  Grace,  bringing  both  Monmouth 
and  Cantemir  into  the  case.  She  resolved  to 
make  Katherine  as  unhappy  as  possible.  She 
scrupled  at  nothing.  Now  the  fair  Constance 
prided  herself  upon  being  a  prisoner  of  the  King ; 
but  she  was  not  so  certain  of  his  favour  that  she 
dare  make  one  single  open  move  against  Kath- 
erine. She  must  taunt  her  in  secret ;  but  how  to 
do  this  was  puzzling,  for  she  kept  her  apartment, 
partly  from  fatigue  after  her  long  ride,  and  it 


The  Cocoanuts  of  the  King's  Cellar     365 

may  be  from  a  disinclination  to  go  abroad.  So 
she  bided  her  time  and  ungraciously  as  she  saw 
the  popularity  of  the  noble  woman  grow  and 
grow ;  she  was  fast  becoming  a  great  favourite. 
Indeed,  she  was  constantly  visited  by  the  King 
and  Queen,  and  the  greatest  ladies  of  the  Court. 
The  Queen  had  grown  very  fond  of  her,  spending 
hours  in  her  company  and  oftentimes  taking  her 
for  a  walk  or  ride.  Before  the  Duchess  had  been 
within  the  Palace  a  month,  she  was  imitated  in 
every  way.  Great  ladies  became  so  familiar, 
they  would  take  up  her  articles  of  the  toilet  and 
copy  the  manufacturer's  name.  They  in  a  short 
time  were  using  the  same  concoction  of  rouge  and 
perfumes.  Their  maids  must  learn  what  Janet 
did  for  her  mistress  in  the  way  of  baths,  for 
"  never  was  there  such  healthful  and  dainty  com- 
plexion." And  when  the  Duke  began  buying 
cocoanuts  by  the  wagon  load  at  an  enormous  ex- 
pense, and  'twas  known  that  her  Grace  drank  the 
milk  of  it  by  the  quart,  the  King's  cellar  became 
too  small  to  hold  the  quantities  that  were  brought 
to  the  ladies  of  the  Court.  And  'twas  said  many 
of  the  young  fops  also  used  the  milk  for  their 
complexion.  Constance  had  not  yet  ordered  any 
of  this  fruit,  but  she  ascertained  where  the  Duke's 
were  kept  and  how  it  might  be  possible  to  obtain 
a  few  of  them  for  an  object  that  was  at  least 
original.  Before,  however,  she  resorted  to  the 
arts  of  chemistry,  there  was  an  opportunity  to 


3(56  Mistress  Pen  wick 

give  the  Duchess  a  thrust.  Two  great  chests 
were  being  unbound  in  the  corridor  just  outside 
of  her  Grace's  door.  Constance  knew  they  con- 
tained an  elaborate  and  costly  layette;  so  she 
hurried  to  her  own  apartment  and  wrote  in  a  dis- 
guised hand  a  billet  that  threw  out  the  worst  of 
insinuations,  and  as  a  finale  she  added  a  pasquin- 
ade copied  hastily  from  some  low  and  bitter 
lampoon.  She  returned  through  the  corridor, 
and,  unnoticed,  thrust  the  paper  into  a  crevice  of 
one  of  the  chests.  But  Katherine  never  saw  the 
billet,  she  was  not  disturbed  in  the  least,  and  her 
ladyship  soon  saw  some  one  else  had  gotten  hold 
of  it,  for  there  was  not  a  shadow  on  her  Grace's 
face.  This  goaded  Constance  to  a  perfect  fury, 
and  she  resolved  upon  extreme  measures. 

One  very  dark  and  stormy  day  she  left  the 
palace  dressed  as  a  servant,  and  drove  in  a  public 
conveyance  to  an  old  chemist's,  who  resided  in  a 
remote  portion  of  the  city.  Here  she  procured 
materials  that  if  properly  handled  and  success- 
ively served  would  bring  the  youthful  Duchess 
to  her  death.  She  resolved  in  this  case  to  Avork 
slowly  and  cautiously,  allowing  of  no  mischance. 
It  so  happened  the  chemist  did  not  have  the 
articles  she  required,  but  promised  for  a  liberal 
sum  to  procure  them  from  a  certain  celebrated 
physician.  This  of  course  would  take  some  time. 
But  the  physician  was  in  France  and  would  not 
return  for  at  least  a  fortnight.  So  a  fortnight 


The  Cocoanuts  of  the  King's  Cellar     367 

went  by  and  another  and  another,  until  Con- 
stance' patience  was  exhausted,  and  as  she  went 
to  the  shop  for  the  last  time,  vowing  to  wait  no 
longer,  if  the  chemist  had  not  the  things,  lo ! 
they  were  there ;  and  after  learning  how  simple 
it  was  to  use  them,  she  hastened  to  the  palace, 
there  to  be  met  by  the  news  that  the  Duchess 
had  brought  forth  a  son  of  rousing  weight  and 
strength.  Constance  fell  into  a  fever,  and  was 
obliged  to  keep  her  bed  for  some  weeks ;  then 
she  arose  and  after  being  seen  again  among  the 
ladies  of  the  Court  and  appearing  as  unconcerned 
as  possible,  when  speaking  of  the  Ells  wold  heir, 
she  found  her  way  below  stair  and  made  siege 
upon  the  King's  cellar  and  looted  a  good  dozen 
cocoanuts. 

She  had  procured  from  the  chemist  a  protrusile 
instrument  for  letting  fluid  through  the  hard 
outer  covering,  and  in  this  manner  intended  to 
inoculate  the  milk  of  the  nut  with  a  slow  poison. 
These,  of  course,  after  such  treatment,  would  be 
returned  to  their  fellows,  and  the  death  of  Kath- 
erine  with  that  of  the  young  lord  would  be 
assured. 

After  a  few  trials  she  succeeded  in  obtaining  a 
result  that  was  entirely  satisfactory,  if  the  hole 
thus  made  could  be  effectually  plugged.  She 
filled  the  aperture  with  a  viscous  matter  that 
would  in  a  few  moments  harden  if  placed  in  the 
sun,  and  to  this  end  she  opened  the  window  and 


368  Mistress  Pen  wick 

laid  the  cocoanut  in  the  sun's  rays  upon  the 
sill. 

She  was  quite  alone,  yet  she  feared;  indeed, 
so  deadly  was  her  intent,  she  jumped  at  every 
noise,  and  upon  hearing  some  sound  without, 
slipped  on  tip-toe  from  the  window  to  the  door 
and  listened,  then  cautiously  drew  the  bolt  and 
looked  without.  The  corridor  seemed  even  more 
quiet  than  usual.  Her  fears  were  subdued  and 
as  she  turned  about  to  close  the  door,  a  suction 
of  air  caught  the  curtain  and  swelled  it  through 
the  open  window,  thereupon  sweeping  the  cocoa- 
nut  to  the  ground,  where  it  fell  at  the  very  feet 
of  his  Majesty.  When  Constance  saw  what  the 
vile  wantonness  of  the  wind  had  done,  she  fell 
upon  her  knees  in  wild  despair  and  tremblingly 
remained  thus  for  an  instant  only,  for  a  bit  of 
hope  sprang  up.  She  arose  and  quickly  ran  to 
the  window, — she  hesitated,  then,  ever  so  slowly 
she  peeped  over  the  sill,  and  there  stood  the 
King  with  the  nut  in  his  hand.  "  Ah ! "  she  said, 
drawing  back  quickly,  for  they  were  not  looking 
up,  and  she  felt  relief  that  they  did  not  see  her,  but 
unfortunately  for  her,  a  lackey  was  standing 
some  little  distance  from  his  Majesty  and  saw 
everything. 

Of  course  treason  was  suspected.  It  was 
thought  the  nut  had  been  dropped  to  crush  the 
King's  head ;  but  upon  examination  'twas  found 
there  oozed  from  a  small  opening  curdled  milk. 


The  Cocoanuts  of  the  King's  Cellar     369 

The  Royal  chemist  was  summoned,  and  in  a  mo- 
ment all  knew  that  the  fruit  was  poisoned.  The 
lackey  had  already  told  the  King  from  what 
window  it  fell.  Constance  was  cold  with 
fright.  She  forgot  her  love,  ambition,  revenge, 
her  whole  paraphernalia  of  desires,  in  this  dis- 
aster. 

Out  she  went  into  the  corridor  to  ascertain,  if 
possible,  what  was  a-foot  below  stairs.  "  Would 
they  be  able,"  she  thought,  "  to  find  from  whence 
the  nut  came  ?  "  At  the  very  idea  she  fled  back 
to  her  chamber  and  gazed  about  in  agony,  for 
there  lay  every  condemning  thing  in  the  floor, 
and  where  was  she  to  hide  them,  for  a  search 
would  certainly  be  made  in  a  few  moments.  A 
hiding-place  must  first  be  found  for  the  nuts. 
She  looked  at  the  bed ;  surely  that  would  be 
searched.  She  thought  to  sew  them  in  the 
sleeves  of  her  gowns,  but  that  would  look  bulky 
and  there  was  not  time.  She  flew  about  in  wild 
anxiety.  She  listened  at  the  door  to  the  sounds 
below,  and,  seeing  a  lackey,  asked  what  the  noise 
meant.  He  said  a  cocoanut  had  been  dropped 
and  they  were  going  to  search  for  the  one  who 
did  it.  Again  her  ladyship  fled  to  her  chamber 
and  began  to  look  behind  chairs  and  screens  and 
portable  cabinets ;  but  to  no  avail ;  she  found  no 
safe  hiding.  At  last,  the  great,  high,  nodding 
tester  caught  the  glance  of  her  anxious  eye.  She 
hastily  placed  first  a  small  table — the  only  one 


370  Mistress  Penwick 

she  was  able  to  carry — then  a  chair  upon  th<? 
bed,  and  with  the  one  upon  the  other  was  able 
to  see  the  top  of  the  tester.  But  alas !  it  was 
cone-shape.  Invention,  however,  was  not  out  of 
Constance'  line,  and  quickly  she  placed  a  box 
upon  the  pinnacle  and  in  it  five  cocoanuts. 
There  were  yet  at  least  a  half-dozen  more  to 
hide,  beside  the  poison  and  instrument.  She 
thought  to  place  these  in  one  of  her  great  hats 
and  raise  them  to  the  tester  also.  As  she  was 
about  to  mount  the  improvised  lift,  she  heard  ap- 
proaching footsteps.  Hardly  had  she  withdrawn 
the  table  and  chair  and  placed  the  hat — well 
bent — beneath  the  low  stool  whereon  she  had 
been  sitting,  and  arranged  the  folds  of  her  heavy 
brocade  like  a  valance  about  her,  when  the  door 
was  thrown  open. 

"  My  God  !  "  said  she,  under  her  breath ;  "  'tis 
the  King  himself  !  " 

His  Majesty  accompanied  by  a  number  of  gen- 
tlemen in  waiting,  entered  the  room.  He  ap- 
peared in  high,  good  humour,  and  inclined  to  be 
facetious.  He  advanced  straight  to  her.  She, 
hardly  rising  from  the  stool,  made  a  deep  curtesy. 
It  was  well  done,  without  disarranging  the  full 
folds  of  her  stiff  brocade,  that  inclined  to  stand 
whether  she  so  honoured  the  King  or  not.  He 
laid  his  hand  familiarly  upon  her  shoulder,  bear- 
ing somewhat  upon  it,  until  she  turned  quite  red, 
either  from  his  intent  or  her  own  guilt. 


The  Cocoanuts  of  the  King's  Cellar     371 

"  We  are  looking  for  secrets.  Hast  thou  any, 
my  little  beauty  ?  " 

"  Your  Majesty  doth  honour  me  greatly  ;  first 
by  thy  presence  and  secondly  by  thy  thought 
that  I  might  have  a  secret — as  if  woman  could 
keep  even  the  shade  of  one  from  her  King  ! " 

"  But  sometimes  there  is  more  happiness  in  the 
shade  than  in  the  substance."  His  keen  eyes  did 
not  leave  her  face.  But  hers  were  turned  with 
an  apprehensive  stare  upon  the  King's  gentle- 
men, who  were  looking  and  prying  impudently 
here  and  there  about  the  rooms  and  closets.  Her 
gowns  were  even  pressed  here  and  there  among 
their  paddings.  Tables  and  cabinets  were 
opened ;  the  bed  was  examined.  They  lifted  the 
heavy  valance  and  one  got  upon  his  knees  and 
prodded  beneath  with  his  sword.  As  he  with- 
drew with  a  very  red  face,  some  one  shook  the 
curtains  with  such  vigour  the  tester  miscarried 
and  down  rolled,  one  by  one,  the  cocoanuts. 
The  King  fairly  yelled  with  laughter,  holding  on 
to  his  sides,  his  gentlemen  joining  him  with  mirth 
restrained  somewhat  by  the  seriousness  of  the 
case. 

"  Indeed,  the  young  Duchess  hath  turned  all 
heads  by  her  gorgeous  beauty,  and  all  would  be 
like  her,  whether  or  no !  "  said  the  King  between 
great  bursts  of  laughter.  Lady  Constance'  mind 
was  ready  and  caught  quickly  at  his  words, 
and  she  turned  to  him  with  a  gay  laugh  that 


372  Mistress  Pen  wick 

somewhat  veiled  her  terrible  fear  and  nervous- 
ness. 

"  Indeed,  'tis  the  fashion  to  use  the  cocoanut 
milk  for  drinking  and  ointment,  and  the  silly 
wenches  of  maids  doth  steal  it  dreadfully  and  I 
was  compelled  to  hide  them." 

"  But  'twill  do  thee  no  good,  'tis  not  thy  na- 
ture to  be  round.  Hast  thou  seen  the  young 
heir  ?  He  is  a  lusty  fellow ;  and  'tis  well  worth  a 
journey  to  the  nursery  to  see  him,"  and  he  took 
her  hand  and  raised  her  to  her  feet.  "  Come,  we 
will  go  and  call  upon  his  lordship." 

There  was  an  agonized  expression  on  Con- 
stance' face  as  she  was  compelled  to  move  at 
the  King's  bidding.  Slowly  she  moved.  It 
seemed  every  motion  was  full  of  painful  effort. 
All  eyes,  for  some  unaccountable  reason,  appeared 
to  turn  to  the  train  of  her  dress  that  rustled 
subtlely ;  even  Constance  turned  to  look  back 
and  down  with  bulging  eyes  on  that  silken  train, 
and  though  she  moved  ever  so  cautiously  the 
bristling  folds  caught  upon  the  edge  of  the  stool 
and  turned  it  over,  the  cocoa-nuts,  poison  bottle 
and  all  falling  a-sprawl.  The  King  bent  down 
and  picked  up  the  vial,  then  dropped  it  quickly, 
saying,— 

"  Odd's  fish,  the  female  that  did  don  man's  at- 
tire and  flirt  about  with  foppish  airs  is  trying  to 
play  the  hen  and  has  made  a  nest  and  gone  to 
setting  on  spoiled  eggs  that  will  hatch  nothing 


The  Cocoanuts  of  the  King's  Cellar     373 

but  shades,  and  wraiths,  and  mandrakes  !  "  And 
he  lifted  a  cocoanut,  from  which  the  milk  was 
oozing  out  slowly  and  in  a  curdled  state. 

"  And  who,  mistress  of  the  chemist's  shop,  hath 
taught  thee  his  art  ?  " 

"  'Tis  a  great  and  awful  thing  that  hath  hap- 
pened ;  indeed,  oh  !  King,  I  knew  not  the  things 
were  under  the  stool  — 

"  Then  'twas  unfortunate  thou  shouldst  remain 
seated  before  thy  King ;  in  this  case  'twas  con- 
demning." And  he  turned  and  cried, — 

"  Hi !  hi !  call  the  guard  !  Thou  shalt  go  into 
durance  until  I  have  sifted  this  dairy  business." 
Before  the  unfortunate  woman  could  open  her 
mouth  to  plead  further,  the  King  was  gone  and 
two  stalwart  guards  stood  at  either  side  of  her, 
ready  to  conduct  her  behind  bolts  and  bars. 

Now  the  King  was  inclined  to  be  easy  with  all 
his  subjects,  but  when  treason  lay  so  open  before 
him,  he  was  quick  to  punish.  Constance,  being  a 
cousin  of  the  Duke  of  Ellswold,  he  put  the  case 
before  him.  On  the  instant,  the  Duke  gave  a  so- 
lution to  Constance'  aims,  explaining  everything 
to  the  King.  He  also — for  he  dreaded  what  the 
King  might  do — said  'twas  possible  she  was  not 
of  sound  mind.  His  Majesty  saw  the  Duke's 
drift  and  declared  that  death  should  not  come 
upon  her,  but  she  should  be  imprisoned.  This 
satisfied  the  Duke,  for  he  was  seriously  afraid  for 
the  young  heir  and  his  wife. 


374  Mistress  Penwick 

Now  Constance  was  utterly  without  hope. 
She  was  degraded  at  Court,  nevermore  to  rise 
again,  and  of  course  this  state  of  things  would 
be  known  at  every  street  corner.  Even  though 
she  could  make  her  escape,  where  could  she  go  ? 
Who  would  accept  her  as  the  noble  Lady  Con- 
stance again  ?  She  would  wander  up  and  doAvn 
the  world,  friendless ;  while  Katherine  would 
have  love,  wealth  and  honour,  all  one  could  wish 
for,  all  there  was  in  life  to  have. 

"  Nay,  nay,  nay  !  "  she  cried  in  her  agony.  "  I 
shall  have  one  more  chance."  She  threw  out 
her  arms  to  the  air  and  ground  her  teeth  and 
dragged  herself  from  end  to  end  of  her  bare  and 
lonely  cell.  "  One  more  chance,"  she  cried,  "  and 
'twill  be  death  to  her ;  aye,  death ! " 


CHAPTER  XXIY 

WHAT   HAPPENED   IN   THE   TOWER 

SIR  JULIAN  had  been  striving  for  months  to 
make  peace  with  the  young  Duchess ;  but  all 
effort  appeared  futile,  until  Providence  suddenly 
stepped  in  and  aided  him.  Cantemir  had  turned 
religious,  owing  to  the  taking  hold  upon  him  of 
a  mortal  disease ;  and  though  he  had  not  been 
about  to  undo  any  of  his  schemes  in  Cedric's  case, 
yet  he  intended  to  do  so  as  soon  as  he  was  able. 
He  was  not  idle,  however,  as  he  wrote  many  let- 
ters and  received  visits  from  the  ones  who  were 
foremost  in  the  fight.  Nor  was  he  long  in  dis- 
covering that  their  feelings  were  already  changed 
toward  Ellswold,  for  they  saw  'twas  unpopular  to 
be  striving  against  the  King's  desires,  and  against 
a  nobleman  who  would  be  very  powerful  when 
he  should  regain  his  fortunes.  The  Count  wrote 
to  Pomphrey,  saying  he  wished  to  speak  face  to 
face  with  him. 

At  this  interview  the  Russian  unburdened  his 
heart  of  all  malice  and  hatred,  and  gave  vent  to 
ill-gotten  secrets,  of  which  Buckingham's  schemes 
were  foremost.  So  open  and  frank  was  the 
Count  in  his  assertions  there  was  no  doubt  in  Sir 

375 


376  Mistress  Penvvick 

Julian's  mind  but  what  he  had  created  an  whole- 
some feeling  with  his  conscience ;  and  for  him- 
self, recognized  the  interview  as  nothing  more  nor 
less  than  the  comely  intervention  of  Providence. 

Sir  Julian  determined  upon  an  immediate  ren- 
dezvous with  Sir  John  Penwick,  to  the  end  that 
a  concerted  movement  might  effectually  bring 
the  Duke  to  his  senses.  He  loved  Buckingham, 
but  he  loved  the  Duchess  of  Ellswold  more,  and 
for  this  cause  of  peace,  intended  to  hedge  the 
Duke  about  with  an  impenetrable  wall. 

Buckingham  soon  saw  that  the  strings  were 
closing  about  him,  and  that  'twas  Sir  Julian  who 
held  the  taut  ends.  But  the  great  Duke  had  still 
one  more  move,  a  move  so  venturesome,  so  in- 
volved with  hazard,  that  when  'twas  made,  the 
King  himself  admired  and  paid  homage  to  its 
projector. 

The  Duke  knew  that  Sir  Julian,  with  a  whis- 
per in  the  King's  ear,  could  send  him  to  the 
Tower.  So  at  the  point  of  Sir  Julian's  s word- 
metaphorically — he  was  forced  to  go  to  the  King 
and  straighten  matters  as  best  he  could.  This 
the  great  Duke  did,  with  the  most  exquisite  ur- 
banity. He  knew  well  the  King's  humour,  and 
the  most  propitious  moment  in  it,  and  propin- 
quity played  him  fair,  and  there  vibrated  in  his 
Majesty's  ear  the  dulcet  tones  of  George  Yillier's 
magnetic  voice,  saying, — 

"  Oh,  King  !  may  I  tell  thee  of  what  foul  issue 


What  Happened  in  the  Tower          377 

fulsome  Nature  hath  brought  forth,  and  what 
travail  I  suffer  for " 

"  Odd's  fish !  what  hast  thou  been  doing, 
George,  what  hast  thou " 

"  Oh,  King ! "  and  the  Duke  bowed  upon  his 
knee  and  touched  with  his  lips  the  great  ring 
upon  his  Majesty's  hand ;  "  I  did  engender  with 
a  brain  un  webbed  by  wine,  a  body  ample  of 
strength  and  health,  my  soul  absolved,  my  heart 
palpitant  with  pure  love  and  rich  intention ;  but 
corruptible  Nature  hath  adulterated  and  brought 
forth  an  oaf,  to  which  I  lay  no  claim " 

"Egad!  Duke;  we'll  wager  a  kilderkin  of 
chaney  oranges  at  four  pence  each  and  a  dozen 
cordial  juleps  with  pearls  that  thy  conscience  is 
about  to  bewray  thee." 

"  Your  Royal  Highness  doth  honour  me  by 
the  assumption  that  such  a  kingly  component  is 
mine.  I  cannot  gainsay  thy  assertion,  but  who 
but  my  King  could  touch  to  life  the  almost  un- 
defined limning  of  moral  faculty  that  has  been 
my  poor  possession  heretofore " 

"  And  who  but  thy  King  would  give  to  thy 
swart  issue  a,  no  doubt,  condign  interest ;  come, 
curtail  loquacity ! " 

"  Then,  your  Majesty,  to  be  brief,  I  have  raised 
for  thee  the  subsidies  thou  were  too  modest  to 
ask  the  House  for " 

"  Odd's  fish,  and  this  is  thine  oaf ;  oaf,  callest 
thou  it,  when  it  has  brought  unspeakable  joy  to 


378  Mistress  Penwick 

thy  King  ?  Not  so,  'tis  an  issue  that  outshines 
in  weight,  point  of  beauty  and  actual  worth  that 
bouncing  youngster  of  Ellswold's." 

"But,  oh!  King,  I  counted  not  upon  the  ex- 
igencies of  thy  love.  I  thought  only  of  the  pleas- 
ure 'twould  give  thee  to  have  subsidies  without 
plea,  and  I  have  made  two  of  thy  favourites  my 
victims.  How  should  I  know  that  the  Duke  and 
Duchess  of  Ellswold  were  to  become  nestlings  in 
thy  cradle  of  love  ?  "  The  King's  face  darkened, 
but  for  a  moment  only,  as  the  sunshine  of  full 
coffers  had  penetrated  the  vista  of  his  needs,  and 
a  cloud  even  though  it  bore  the  after-rain  was 
not  to  darken  his  expectations.  "  I  beg  thine  in- 
dulgence to  allow  me  to  presume  upon  fancy. 
Supposing  Sir  John  Penwick  was  alive  and  had 
committed  a  crime  that  made  it  impossible  for 
him  to  seek  the  aid  of  his  beloved  King;  that 
the  said  Sir  John  has  vast  possessions  in  the  New 
World  that  rightfully  belonged  to  the  English 
crown  as  hostage  for  his  own  life,  that  had  been 
in  the  hands  of  the  French ;  that  these  matters 
had  been  brought  to  the  King's  ear,  but  his 
Royal  Highness  had  been  troubled  with  weight- 
ier affairs  at  home,  and  that  one  of  his  very 
lowly  but  loyal  subjects  had  undertaken,  without 
aid  of  Government,  to  secure  these  possessions 
for  his  King,  calling  to  his  aid  the  generosity  of 
Ellswold,  who  was  willing  to  give  all  without 
knowing  why,  save  'twas  for  his  King  and " 


What  Happened  in  the  Tower         379 

"And  Pen  wick  has  proven  guiltless  and  comes 
to  his  King  to  claim  his  rightful  possession ; — 
and  the  subsidies " 

"Are  still  thine,  and  thou  shalt  have  them 
within  a  fortnight,  if  thou  wilt  grant  me  one 
small  request,  oh  !  King." 

"  Thou  hast  it.     Be  brief." 

"  Of  my  appointment,  a  new  keeper  of  the 
Tower."  The  King  started  and  half  turned  from 
the  Duke,  while  through  his  mind  ran  hurriedly 
the  names  of  "  Chasel,  Howard,  Baumais  "  and 
"  who  hath  he  in  mind."  Then  like  a  flash  came 
the  thought  of  Lady  Constance,  and  he  turned 
about  quickly  and  said  with  severity,— 

"  Thou  hast  our  word,"  and  with  a  gesture 
gave  the  Duke  his  conge. 

That  very  night  just  as  the  early  moon  began 
to  whiten  the  Towers  of  old  London,  the  key 
turned  in  the  door  of  Lady  Constance'  cell ;  but 
turned  so  lazily — either  from  indolence  or  an 
unaccustomed  hand — that  her  ladyship  looked 
up  and  saw  to  her  surprise  a  new  gaoler.  He 
smiled,  thereby  giving  to  the  heart  of  its  object 
a  great  thrill  of  joy,  for  it  meant  kindliness  and 
kindliness  is  often  predicated  of  selfishness  or  a 
desire  for  things  one  has  not. 

"  What  is  thy  name,  fool  ?  " 

"  Just  plain  Fool,"  and  he  gave  her  due  obei- 
sance. 

"  And  why  so  ?  " 


380  Mistress  Penwick 

"Is  it  not  enough  to  be  so  christened  by  so 
great  a  lady  ?  " 

"Then  thou  art  not  a  subsidiary  but  chief 
factotum  ?  " 

"Aye,  the  other  is  ill  and  I  have  spent  the 
afternoon  in  learning  the — names." 

"  Thou  shouldst  be  well  paid  for  so  short  a 
season. — Is  he  serious  ?  " 

"  I  hope  so,  good  lady." 

"  Oh  !  if  thou  wouldst  make  profit  of  thy  time, 
begin  by  bringing  hither  for  my  supper  good  ale 
and  wine,  with  sugar  and  spices ;  and  I  will  brew 
thee  such  a  horn  as  thou  hast  ne'er  thought  on 
before.  And  thou  for  each  good  turn  slialt  drink 
a  wassail  to  thy  buxom  wench  and  shalt  have 
money  for  the  basset-table." 

It  is  needless  to  say  that  Buckingham  knew 
his  man,  and  Constance'  desires  for  one  whom 
she  could  bribe.  The  latter's  first  and  only 
desire  was  for  means  of  escape,  and  to  this  end 
tried  to  bribe  the  keeper  for  man's  attire.  This 
was  not  the  Duke's  aim,  and  Constance,  being 
thwarted,  struck  quickly  upon  another  means. 

She  succeeded  in  getting  the  promise  of  a  visit 
from  Cantemir,  who  was  little  able  to  be  about, 
but  he  intended  to  see  her  of  his  own  accord,  that 
he  might  move  her  to  a  lively  interest  in  the 
salvation  of  her  soul. 

In  anticipation  of  his  visit,  Constance  had 
obtained  through  the  gaoler  certain  drugs  of 


What  Happened  in  the  Tower         381 

nondescript  virtues.  These  she  carefully  hid 
and  made  her  final  preparations  for  a  speedy 
flight. 

Cantemir  stopped  for  a  moment,  as  he  stepped 
from  the  chair,  and  looked  up  at  the  prison  walls, 
that  were  made  grey  and  indistinct  by  the 
clouded  moon  and  falling  rain.  Keligion  had 
changed  him  even  more  than  the  ravages  of 
disease.  His  true  self  had  awakened,  and  the 
beauty  of  it  had  devoured  the  Satanic  expression 
that  was  wont  to  lie  upon  his  countenance.  His 
face  fairly  beamed  with  a  light  that  came  from 
within,  where  his  soul  stirred  now  free  from  sin's 
fetters. 

He  was  conducted  by  the  keeper  through  the 
windings  of  the  sombre  corridors  to  the  cell  of 
Constance,  who  greeted  him  with  the  words : 

"  Now,  Adrian,  we  can  excuse  wantonness  in 
the  devil,  but  never  slothfulness  in  religion.  We 
have  no  shrines  here  as  abroad ;  what  has  kept 
thee  from  thy  captive  cousin  ?  " 

"  I  am  not  late,  Constance  ;  thou  art  impatient, 
and  as  for  shrines,  I  carry  one  in  my  heart  all  the 
time,  and  thou  must  have  one,  too " 

"  Damn !  We  have  no  time  to  prate.  I  must 
get  out  of  this  vile  hole. — Hast  thou  seen  the 
devil  Duchess  lately  ?  " 

"  Aye,  yesterday  I  saw  her  riding  out.  She  is 
very  beautiful,  but  she  has  changed " 

"  Changed— how  ?  " 


382  Mistress  Pen  wick 

"  She  has  grown  fleshy  — 

"  Ah  !  say  not  *  fleshy  '  but  fat !  fat !  Now 
what  good  fortune  is  this  ?  The  Duke  will  be 
getting  a  divorce,  for  he  doth  abominate  a  fat 
woman.  Good,  good  !  I  must  see  her.  I  shall 
pay  her  a  visit  before  I  leave  for  France." 

"  Thou  wilt  have  far  to  journey,  for  they  leave 
at  once  for  Ellswold.  The  case  will  be  settled 
within  a  few  days  at  most." 

"  A  few  days  at  most  ?  Legal  folderol,  a 
mere  shade  of  a  trial.  Aye;  I  must  see  her 
Grace.  I  have  a  message  for  her." 

"  I  will  serve  thee ;  Constance,  I  will  take  thy 
message — "  Adrian  was  interrupted  by  the 
entrance  of  the  gaoler,  who  brought  in  cordial 
juleps.  Her  ladyship  made  the  fellow  drink, 
before  she  would  allow  him  to  go.  Then,  as  he 
left  them  again,  she  said, — 

"  Thou  canst  not ;  it  is  a  message  no  one  can 
deliver  but  me,"  and  as  if  to  seal  her  words  she 
poured  down  a  good,  round  bumper. 

"  What  dost  mean,  Constance  ?  Thou  art  too 
subtle  for  me  !  " 

"  Too  subtle  ?  Hast  thou  lost  the  art  of 
penetration?  Then  I'll  tell  thee,  thou — the 
1  Ranter,'  as  they  call  thee.  Thou  who  hast 
become  Bunyan's  squire.  I  am  going  to  poison 
my  lady  or  give  her  a  dagger  thrust.  She  must 
die." 

"  Thou  art  the  devil,  Constance ;  but  there  is 


What  Happened  in  the  Tower          383 

one  who  can  outwit  the  devil,  and  he  will  do  it, 
too." 

"  "What  hast  thou  to  say  about  it  ?  " 

"  Thou  shalt  not  do  it." 

"  What  wilt  thou  do  to  prevent  it  ?" 

"I  will  put  the  house  of  Ells  wold  on  their 
guard." 

"  Thou  wilt  not  help  me  to  escape,  and  thou 
wilt  run  with  tales  to  Ellswold.  Thou  wouldst 
keep  me  here,  that  I  might  soon  die,  so  thou 
couldst  have  my  estates.  Poor,  puny  thing,  that 
art  upon  death's  threshold  now.  Thou  wouldst 
have  me  die,  so  thou  couldst  live  luxuriously  and 
use  as  much  of  my  wealth  as  thou  couldst,  leav- 
ing behind  a  paltry  residue  for  the  Crown.  Thou 
wouldst  indeed  !  "  said  Constance,  scornfully,  as 
she  fumbled  in  the  folds  of  her  dress  for  the 
small  bottle  hidden  there. 

"  Constance,"  said  Cantemir,  under  his  breath, 
as  he  lifted  one  of  the  mixtures  before  him,  "  thou 
must  not  kill.  Let  me  awaken  thy  better  na- 
ture  " 

"  Xay ;  she  must  die  ! " 

"  I  will  not  remain  longer  with  thee,  if  thou 
dost  hold  such  foul  intent.  Take  back  thy 
words.  I  will  give  thee  no  rest  until  thou  dost. 
There  is  a  God  who  will  sweeten  thy  ill  feeling 
for  Katherine  — 

"  Shut  thy  mouth,  fool !  "  and  she  spoke  with 
such  fury  Adrian's  heart  sank  within  him.  and  his 


384  Mistress  Penwick 

head  fell  upon  his  arms  upon  the  table.  "  Thoti 
wilt  have  a  season  of  prayer,  then ;  so  be  it. 
Maybe,  if  thou  prayest  with  thy  whole  heart  for 
sixty  seconds,  mine  will  change,"  and  as  she  said 
the  words,  she  dropped  some  deadly  thing  into 
his  glass. 

The  wine  was  not  moved  nor  discoloured,  and 
as  Cantemir  raised  his  head,  took  hold  upon  it, 
and  lifted  and  drank  it  nearly  half. 

"I  love  thee,  cousin,  with  a  Christian  spirit, 
and  I  cannot  see  thee  lose  thy — soul."  A  shiver 
passed  through  his  thin  frame,  and  when  he 
again  began  to  speak,  he  drooled  sick'ningly. 
"  I  say  thou  shalt  not — kill  her — and  some  one — 
else  says  it — I  will  watch  thee  in  spirit " 

Constance  wished  him  to  die  quickly,  that  she 
might  not  be  obliged  to  look  upon  prolonged 
horrors.  She  could  easily  arrange  his  position, 
with  his  head  upon  the  table,  to  look  quite  nat- 
ural, as  if  in  drunken  sleep,  and  when  the  keeper 
came,  she  would  give  him  a  like  portion,  before 
lie  could  make  any  discovery,  and  when  they 
were  both  despatched,  she  would  don  Cantemir's 
attire  and  take  the  keeper's  keys  and  be  gone.  She 
quickly  poisoned  another  glass,  then  looked  at 
Cantemir.  So  horrible  was  the  glassy  glare  in 
his  eye,  she  made  as  if  to  arise  from  the  table, 
but  he  leant  over  and  grasped  her  hand.  Con- 
stance' face  was  livid  with  fear,  and  beside,  she 
heard  the  gaoler.  As  the  keys  were  turned  in 


"What  Happened  in  the  Tower         385 

the  door,  Cantemir's  head  dropped  back  against 
the  chair,  and  he  sat  upright,  but  dead ;  his  hand 
fastened  tight  upon  his  cousin's.  She  screamed 
and  fell,  half-fainting,  across  the  table.  The 
keeper  sprung  to  her  aid,  and  took  hold  of  the 
full  goblet  of  wine  and  pressed  it  to  her  lips. 
She  tried  to  recover  herself,  seeming  to  know 
'twas  not  the  time  to  indulge  in  a  fainting  fit ; 
but  the  strain  was  too  much,  her  body  was 
stronger  than  her  mind,  and  she  mechanically 
took  the  goblet  and  poured  the  contents  down 
her  throat.  A  thought  must  have  come  to  her 
with  the  rapidity  of  lightning,  for  she  jerked  the 
goblet  from  her  mouth,  spilling  the  dark  fluid 
over  her.  She  glared  at  the  empty  cup  with  dis- 
tended eyeballs,  and  screaming  once  wildly,  fell 
heavily  across  the  table. 

It  had  turned  out  differently  and  better  than 
Buckingham  had  thought;  and  after  making  a 
hasty  trip  into  France,  whence  he  was  immedi- 
ately recalled  by  his  King — who  was  luxuriating 
in  the  easement  of  pecuniary  difficulties — he 
journeyed  to  Ellswold  to  present  to  the  young 
Duchess  certain  rare  laces,  gems  and  porcelains 
he  had  found — so  he  intimated — among  the  Rus- 
sian Count's  possessions. 


CHAPTER  XXV 

THE   GARDEN    OF   YOUTH 

THE  meeting  of  Katherine  and  her  father  was 
a  joyous  one.  As  Sir  John  pressed  her  to  his 
heart,  Janet  knelt  at  his  feet,  kissing  the  hand 
he  held  out  to  her.  And  there  stood  by  the 
Duke  of  Ellswold  and  Sir  Julian,  the  latter 
having  received  at  last  the  most  gracious 
welcome  from  the  Duchess. 

But  yet  Pomphrey  was  not  happy;  his  con- 
science troubled  him  beyond  measure.  So  he  set 
about  to  make  himself  right  with  the  world.  He 
argued  that  adoration  should  be  given  to  God 
only,  and  when  one  was  so  selfish  and  thought- 
less to  give  it  to  another  being,  it  was  time  he 
looked  to  his  soul.  And  for  the  correction  of 
this  serious  fault,  he  left  Ellswold  and  went  into 
France,  and  in  a  short  time  became  a  devout 
religieux. 

Lady  Bettie  Payne  was  so  wrought  upon  by 
this  great  change  in  Sir  Julian's  life,  for  a  fort- 
night she  remained  within  her  chamber,  trying 
to  feel  what  'twould  be  like  to  live  the  life  of  a 
nun.  But  this  season  of  devotion  was  suddenly 


The  Garden  of  Youth  387 

interrupted  by  a  visit  from  St.  Mar,  of  whom  she 
was  very  fond.  He  asked  her  hand  in  marriage 
and  was  accepted. 

In  course  of  time  a  family  of  three  boys  and 
two  girls  were  born  to  the  Duke  and  Duchess.  A 
great  christening  party  was  in  preparation.  The 
Duchess  was  worried  about  the  christening  robe, 
that  had  not  yet  arrived,  and  she  said  to  Janet, — 

"  Indeed,  Janet,  this  delay  reminds  me  of  my 
anxiety  over  the  chests  that  were  to  bring  me 
my  first  finery — dost  remember,  at  Crandle- 
mar?" 

"  Aye.  It  does  not  take  much  of  a  memory  to 
think  back  seven  years  !  " 

"  Seven  years !  Why,  Janet,  thou  art  growing 
old ! " 

"  Nay,  sweet  Mistress ;  but  the  two  generations 
I  now  nurse  are  very  young." 

"  'Tis  true. — But  what  thinkest  thou  could  de- 
tain the  chest?  Father  Pomphrey  cannot  be 
kept  waiting  for  a  christening  robe.  And  to 
think  of  Lady  Ann  being  baptized  in  a  common 
frock !  'Twould  make  Bettie  St.  Mar  laugh ;  she 
already  feels  quite  jealous  because  we  are  the 
first  to  have  Father  Pomphrey.  And  methinks, 
Janet,  now  that  she  is  in  expectancy — she  will  so 
vibrate  'twixt  France  and  England, — fearing  she 
will  not  be  near  Father  Pomphrey  for  the  chris- 
tening— that  little  Julian  and  Franpois  will  for- 
get which  is  home." 


388  Mistress  Pen  wick 

"  She  need  not  do  that ;  he  could  go  to  France." 

"  Nay,  not  so ;  for  he  leaves  at  once  for  Kome 
and  will  not  return  to  England  ere  summer, 
meaning  not  to  stop  at  all  in  France." 

"Ah!  that  makes  me  think  of  what  I  heard 
him  say  to  Monsieur  St.  Mar  in  the  nursery. 
'Twas  something  about  a  christening.  Monsieur 
said :  '  Thou  art  expected  at  Crandlemar  Castle  ? ' 
and  Father  Pomphrey  answered :  '  Aye,  some- 
time before  next  Michaelmas.' ': 

"Then  Lady  Bettie  will  remain  in  England 
mayhap." 

"  'Tis  possible." 

"  What  did  he  say  of  the  children,  Janet  ?  " 

"  Of  my  lord  Duke's  and  thine  ?  " 

"  Aye." 

"  He  said  not  a  word  of  them  in  particular,  but 
fondled  all  alike,  calling  each  by  name,  and  now 
I  think  on't,  I  wonder  he  could  remember  a 
dozen  or  so,  when  he  has  not  yet  been  three  days 
in  the  castle.  'Twas  '  Lady  Mary '  and  '  Sir  Jas- 
per' and  'Lady  Jane'  and  'Lady  Kate'  and 
'  Lord  Ivor ' ;  and  for  each  he  had  a  story.  And 
Monsieur  grew  tired,  and  my  lord  Duke  asked 
Sir  Julian  if  the  children  did  not  tire  him  also, 
and  he  answered :  '  Duke,  there  is  a  peculiarly 
wholesome  knowledge  that  we  cannot  obtain  save 
through  a  child's  mind;  and  while  in  the  com- 
panionship of  children,  we  are  surrounded  by  a 
field  of  flowers,  whose  glory  fructifies  the  good 


The  Garden  of  Youth  389 

germ  within  us,  and  Wisdom — that  tallest  flower, 
that  knows  no  harvest — springs  up  at  prime, 
blossoms  forth  at  compline  and  grows  a  fragrant 
staff,  upon  which  man  leans  in  the  night  of  life.' 
Then  they  walked  away,  and  I  heard  no  more." 

"  Dear  Father  Pomphrey — "  Then  for  a  mo- 
ment the  Duchess  looked  with  a  far-away  ex- 
pression out  upon  the  snow-covered  landscape, 
then,  on  a  sudden,  she  said,  almost  pettishly, — 
"  But,  Janet,  what  keeps  the  chest  ?  " 
"Perhaps  'tis  Providence." 
"  "What  dost  mean ;  how  Providence  ?  " 
"  Thou  hast  ordered  the  robe  to  be  so  perfect, 
so  in  accordance  with  the  Royal  mode,  the  child 
will  be  in  torment.  Indeed,  I  am  afraid  'twill 
make  the  little  lady  ill  to  be  so  encased.  Ah ! 
but  thou  art  great  folk,  and,  as  Dent  hath  said, 
such  people  'spend  their  time  in  tricking  and 
trimming,  pricking  and  pinning,  pranking  and 
pouncing,  girding  and  lacing  and  braving  up 
themselves  in  most  exquisite  manner ;  —  these 
doubled  and  redoubled  ruffles,  these  strouting 
fardingales,  long  locks  and  fore  tufts ; — it  was 
never  a  good  world  since  starching  and  steeling, 
buskes  and  whalebones,  supporters  and  rebatoes, 
full  moons  and  hobbyhorses  came  into  use.'  I 
doubt  not  that  Father  Pomphrey  himself  will 
demur  at  such  cruelty." 

But  the  chest  came  in  time,  and  Katherine  was 
satisfied. 


390  Mistress  Penwick 

The  castle  was  filled  with  guests,  and  the  nur- 
series full  of  bright  young  children  waiting  impa- 
tiently to  be  taken  to  the  great  picture-gallery, 
where,  under  the  limned  faces  of  many  genera- 
tions, the  christening  was  to  take  place. 

An  altar  had  been  raised ;  and  upon  it  was  the 
golden  service,  a  little  apart  the  font,  and  upon 
either  side  of  the  long  gallery  were  flowers 
banked  'neath  specially  honoured  portraits. 

At  the  appointed  hour  the  children  defiled 
down  the  long  room,  then  came  the  other  guests, 
and  finally  Sir  Julian  Pomphrey  in  his  robe  of 
oifice — Father  Pomphrey,  so  elegant,  loving, 
good ;  a  princely  priest.  Then  came  Janet  with 
little  Lady  Ann  in  her  arms  ;  the  child  appearing 
like  an  Egyptian  mummy  in  white  bands.  The 
Duke  and  Duchess  looked  handsome  and  proud. 
And  when  the  celebration  was  concluded,  ali 
form  was  dissipated,  the  children  gathering  about 
the  youngster  for  a  "  peep,"  then  scampered  to 
the  flowers.  And  as  the  elder  folk  looked  on, 
some  one  opined  that  the  human  nosegay  was 
more  gorgeous  of  apparel  and  glow  of  cheek  than 
the  Ayrshire  rose  or  the  twisted  eglantine.  Then 
suddenly  the  children  gathered  about  a  single 
portrait  of  remarkable  rich  colouring,  and  little 
Lady  Margaret  came  running  and  saying  with  a 
lisp,— 

"  Come,  see,  Father ;  'tis  the  prettiest  picture 
here,  and  there  are  no  flowers  'neath  it." 


The  Garden  of  Youth  391 

"What,  i\o  flowers?"  and  Father  Pomphrey 
looked  down  in  feigned  surprise. 

"  Why,  here  is  a  flower ! "  and  the  child  lifted 
a  crushed  immortelle  from  the  parquetry  and 
gave  it  to  the  priest,  who  quickly  made  the  sign 
of  the  cross  and  said  something  almost  inaudible 
about  the  flower  being  prophetic;  and  then  he 
leant  close  to  the  child's  ear,  saying, — 

"  Will  Lady  Margaret  do  something  for  Father 
Pomphrey  ?  " 

"Aye,  anything ' 

"Remember  always  to  pray  for  the  soul  of 
Lady  Conntance  Clarmot."  Then  raising  the 
flower,  he  said  abstractedly, — "What  gems  of 
thought  T  "><  *ind  in  the  Garden  of  Youth ! " 


WHA  T  THE  ENGLISH  PRESS  SA  YS  Of 

The  Tellow  Danger 

A  ROMANCE 

By  M.  P.  SHIEL 

I2mo,  Cloth,  $r.oo 

tar  L.  F.  AUSTIN  in  the  Illustrated  London  News  i  — "  I  sat  up  half  the 
,:ight  wi(.b  *  The  Yellow  Danger,'  which  is  no  less  than  the  history  of  the 
ccuquest  of  Europe  by  the  Chinese  hordes,  whose  coming  was  predicted  by 
the  late  Professor  Pearson." 

The  Academy  :  — "  The  best  portions  of  the  book  are  those  which  describe 
Hardy's  naval  actions.  Here  Mr.  Shiel  is  excellent  company.  With  the  as- 
sistance  of  plans,  and  a  very  lucid  and  forcible  narrative  girt,  he  makes  the 
encounters  perfectly  conceivable.  The  book  is  punctuated  with  them,  and 
they  are  of  enthralling  interest  .  .  .  An  exciting  and  persuasive  romance,  well 
worth  packing  up  with  one's  holiday  outfit." 

<The  Echo:—  "We  can  heartily  recommend  *  The  Yellow  Danger*  to 
readers  of  every  class.  On  the  topical  interest  of  the  romance  it  were  surely 
quite  superfluous  to  dilate  in  view  of  recent  events." 

"The  Bookman  : — "  Mr.  Shiel  is  a  marvellous  man.  His  audacity  is  splen- 
did. He  foretells  the  future —  a  ghastly  vision.  He  relates  the  history  of  Ar- 
mageddon. He  slaughters  not  regiments,  but  races ;  he  blows  up,  not  ships, 
but  fleets.  He  harrows  our  very  souls  with  prophecies  of  horror.  He  ha* 


England  becomes  the  refuge  of  the  distracted  nations,  and  an  English  youth 
saves  the  world  from  ruin.  Again  and  again  throughout  the  pages  tkere  is  a 
•™"tt  complacent  roaring  of  the  British  lion.  But — since  we  speak  of  roaring 
>e  naval  battles  are  really  good — good  reading,  that  is,  for  landsmen — we 


grea 
— th 
are  no  experts. 


The  Literarj  World: — "  Mr.  Shiel  has  contrived  a  story  so  original  and 
king  that  we  were  entirely  unable  to  allow  it  out  of  our  hands  from  the  time 


*  a  swift  series  or  venomous  behemoth  pangs,  quickening  into  ever  madder 
swiftness,'  and  we  shall  follow  the  affairs  in  the  East  for  the  future  with  an 
underlying  sense  of  distrust  and  an  uneasiness  which  we  had  never  though* 
to  come  to." 

R.  F.  FENNO  &  COMPANY 

9-1  i  East  1 6th  St.%  New  York 


A     000  128  180     7 


